Another great recognition for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Swiss and Spanish players have been named the Male Athletes of the year by the French newspaper L'Equipe, that granted the award to two sportsmen for the first time in 42 years.

Only other two tennis players, Guy Forget and Henri Leconte, were awarded together, in 1991, but as best French sportsmen, when France won Davis Cup. Federer gets the award for the fourth time in his career after 2004, 2005 and 2006, while Nadal, currently World No.

1, had also prevailed in 2010 and 2013. In Dubai, Federer was interviewed by L'Equipe after getting the award. Asked if it seems right to him, he replied: 'Yes I do. Someone will say no, someone yes. I think you can view our seasons the way you want.

Both of us did something amazing. He ended the year as No. 1, he is also the oldest player to end the year at this position, which I wasn't aware of. It is something that nobody did before, so from that side, he must be given credit.

Even he made a comeback, like me. I am five years older than him, which makes things even more complicated. And I beat him every time. We can combine all the things the way we want, but I perfectly agree.' Asked if the game where Federer broke Nadal when the Spaniard was leading 3-1 in the fifth set at the Australian Open final was decisive for whole season, the world no.

2 replied: 'It's a little bit exaggerated but it's true. In that moment I showed that I can play fabulous forever (laughter). I play very, very well. It was a great moment for the whole season.' Federer got the Best Male Athlete of the year award also by the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, for the fourth time after 2005, 2006 and 2007.

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