Kerber, Nishikori Win U.S. Open Sportsmanship Awards

September 9, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff

The USTA announced that Angelique Kerber and Kei Nishikori have been awarded the fifth annual US Open Sportsmanship Awards, presented to the professional tennis players who best demonstrate excellence in sportsmanship throughout the Emirates Airline US Open Series and the US Open.

“Angelique and Kei each set an incredible standard of professionalism every time they take the court,” said USTA Chairman, CEO and President Katrina Adams. “They’re both class competitors whose success is matched only by their tact, and so we couldn’t be happier to honor each of them with US Open Sportsmanship Awards.”

The USTA started a Sportsmanship Committee in 2011. Its charge is to “educate and inspire youngsters and their parents to develop and exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship and an attitude of fair play and mutual respect on and off the tennis court. Underlying the charge is the ethical imperative that fairness is more important than winning.”

The USTA Sportsmanship Award Selection Committee is comprised of USTA representatives, former players and journalists, including Co-Chairs Todd Martin and Lars Rosene, Jon Vegosen, Mary Carillo, Mary Joe Fernandez, Chanda Rubin, Joel Drucker, Steve Flink and Matt Cronin.

Kerber reached the U.S. Open final last night by defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals, and will be the new world number one when the updated rankings come out on Monday. Nishikori will take on Stan Wawrinka in tonight's semifinal. 

Eligibility requirements for winners include participating in at least two Series tournaments, as well as the 2015 US Open.  Each US Open Sportsmanship Award winner receives a trophy and a $5,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice. Past winners include Venus Williams and Kevin Anderson (2015), Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki (2014), Li Na and David Ferrer (2013) and Bob and Mike Bryan and Samantha Stosur (2012).


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Century
Century

March/April 2024 Digital Edition