[Applause] Cristiano, this is a big moment, isn't it? Tell us a little bit more about how it's come about and and why it's so important to you. >> Well, it's important because as people know me, I'm a people of challenge and football is our life.
It's my life. But for me, sports, it means more than only football. For me, this is a new era.
So, we have to open our mind for the other sports. This is why we create this amazing award in my opinion and uh because the world need to see a different things with huge uh quality. You obviously got into football because you loved playing the game, but was there a moment where you realized you really realized its power and the power of the superstar?
>> As I told you before, I love football, but I like other sports as well. I like other personalities. I learn with other people, with other sports, and it's always good to to learn with other the other things.
And when we car it this this award, we're thinking about that to create a new era. And this is what we're looking forward. And um for me, it's a big pleasure ever is the first time ever this trophy coming out.
And for me, it's it's great to be part of of this. >> So, shall we enter this new era? Let's find out the first ever winner of the Globe Sports Award.
[Music] Tonight the world stands still for NovakJovich. [Applause] [Applause] Please come and stand in the middle. Uh congratulations.
This is a bit of a surprise for you, isn't it? >> I was caught off guard. A great surprise honestly to to be here present tonight is a privilege and an honor.
Obviously, receiving an award from another sporting legend is is a dream dream come true. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this. Uh, I'm a big fan of football.
I came here to obviously celebrate the incredible year that all of the football stars were having and I was caught off guard, but in a positive way. So, I couldn't be happier. >> And Cristiano, what is it about Novak that you see when you look at him and and what he does?
>> I think it's I don't want to to speak so much. I prefer that he speak but for me is his example when you have people as example it's the speaks the the words coming by himself so for me is example longevity we have similar story so I think it deserve because it's a great example for this generation all generation the generation is going to come so it deserve >> because your relationship actually goes back quite a few years I know you've been seen watching Novak play tennis where did you first meet. >> It's a good question.
We we go back a long time, you know, when he was playing in Real Madrid, he would be coming to to watch the tournament at the Madrid um tournament and and obviously for us every time he shows up, it would be a an added pressure, but also an inspiration to try to do our best. You know, obviously he was, you know, ruling the world at that time and he he still keeps on going. So you, you know, I'm very thankful to hear these words from from him and uh also thankful to call him a friend and and and someone that really inspires me as well, you know, uh not to repeat his words, but it's really um the same way for me, you know, when I still wake up in the morning and I try at 38 to find motivation after playing the highest level of professional tennis for more than 20 years and your body is aching and you're you're questioning whether you know you want to keep going after you achieved you know everything and very blessed to to achieve everything in in this sport and then you see the examples of Cristiano you know and what he's been trying to do so as he mentioned there's a lot of similarities a lot of parallels that we can draw and and and u and really in a sense even though we are not part of the same sport but we're kind of pushing each other you know that's how it feels and and I think we are also uh showing to future generations that there is no limit you know something like in my sport when I was starting to play professional tennis when you reach the age 30 you start counting your days I guess it's similar you know with football you you know you have to start planning your retirement but it's it's not the case nowadays you know and I think that's due to many different factors but I think the level of dedication love and passion for the game uh really builds an unbreakable motivation and something that really transcends your sport something that really touches younger uh people's hearts that they are dreaming to become like you one day.
So really standing here with him and and talking about just a love for the game I think in general for the sport that really sends incredible message to out there to all the all the kids around the world because we all want to keep them off the streets. We all want to you know see them play tennis, play football or any other sport that can really lead them to a healthier a better life. So, I'm I'm just, you know, proud to be standing here obviously with with him on stage.
>> You've both got these targets. Cristiano, you talked about number 1,00. Another couple of goals last night.
Congratulations. Who is going to get to the target first? Your number 25 or your thousand.
>> How about together at the same time? That would be nice. >> Toeto toe.
Um, Cristiano, thank you for now very much. Uh, indeed. Novak, don't go anywhere because Cristiano has prepared a little video for you.
Can I just usher you this way? Uh-huh. [Music] [Music] Come on.
Come on. Again, drop a bit. [Music] L ladies and gentlemen, you're an overall Globe Sports Award winner, NovakJovich.
Um, before you go anywhere, seeing that in in black and white, what was running through your mind? Um, it's first of all, it's a surprise. All of it is a surprise.
And I I I had no no clue, no idea. And um I've never seen a similar video. And kind of in a very short amount of time, it has tried to kind of in a way in a sense explain or present my life and the trials and tribulations.
>> This video is not by accident. This is a really mean position to put you on the spot. Do you have any concept what that was?
Did it sound familiar? >> Um well it was one of my matches with Nadal. I mean I judging by the sound but with the words obviously it was representing I guess me on the left side and on the right side all of the challenges and >> 54 shots the US Open final 2013.
>> Okay. It was that very point, >> one of the longest ever, >> at which you won. >> Okay, good.
But I lost that match though. But it's okay. >> We w we weren't going to talk about that.
>> Um, look, I think I I think what we all can relate to is trials and tribulations. you know, I've uh just, you know, seeing some of these words appear on the screen um awaken kind of the emotions in me, you know, some positive, some negative, but I think in the end of the day, I think we can all agree that in the face of adversity, you grow the most. And, you know, we all aspire to be like our sporting heroes.
um hold trophies, be recognized, applauded, celebrated. Uh but all the trials and tribulations that you have on a daily basis almost for many years is is something that people don't see. And you normally and usually those are the kind of moments that define your character, define you, who you are as a person and as an athlete.
And I I can stand here and maybe being less a little bit less modest and humble and say to say that I'm extremely proud. Um but this is not only me. Even though I'm an individual athlete coming from an individual sport, um I I still have to give incredible thanks and praise to my wonderful wife and my my children that are here and my my brother as well that are in in attendance.
Um, and of course all of the people that have contributed to my growth as a person and as a as a tennis player. To be recognized tonight in front of some of the greatest sporting and football and sporting legends uh ever, you know, is is something that uh is is truly special. You know, I've I've been blessed.
God has given me an incredible opportunity to play this sport still at this age. And all only thing I can kind of wrap it up and say is that I'm going to keep on going. You know, I love Cristiano's serious look when he said he's going to reach the thousand goals and he really means it.
And I I I do believe and resonate with his power of the words and power of the mind, mind over matter always. So um let's see what the future brings. But I'm I'm extremely thankful to be here standing tonight.
Thank you so much. >> Very very welld deserved. Novad Jovovich.
