Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza were the big winners in the 70th Grand Gala of El Mundo Deportivo. Rafa was named the best male athlete of 2017 and Garbi was named the best female athlete of 2017.

Rafa:

I am very happy and grateful to Mundo Deportivo for having thought of me for the prize. The truth is that this place is special and very beautiful and ideal to celebrate a night of sports. I’ve been winning and not winning, but someone has to win.

BARCELONA, SPAIN РFEBRUARY 05: Garbi̱e Muguruza and Rafael Nadal receive the best sportwoman and sportman of the year award during the 70th Mundo Deportivo Gala on February 5, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images)

Garbine Muguruza’s Instagram

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Jordi Lopez/Mundo Deportivo

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Pere Punti/Mundo Deportivo

Rafa won the honour for the fourth time in his career (2007, 2008, 2013) to commemorate a remarkable 2017 for the Spaniard.

Rafa on his injury:

It’s a small injury that needs time and rest and recovery, and that’s what we’re doing.

For the moment my schedule is the same and I think I’ll be able to travel to Mexico to play at Acapulco.

Source: Mundo Deportivo