By DPA,
New York : Rafael Nadal has played like tennis royalty this season. Now the Spaniard has the award to prove it after receiving Spain’s Prince of Asturias prize for sport.
Nadal, top seed at the US Open, was praised by the jury for his “commitment to the most noble sports values both in and outside of the court” as well as work with the underprivileged through his charitable foundation.
Nadal has won eight titles in 2008, including the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal. The award carries a prize of 50,000 euros ($73,000) plus a commissioned Joan Miro sculpture.
Last year, former German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher received the honour.