Tennis players are the most popular sports figures in Australia. Roger Federer, who won the Australian Open in Melbourne last month, led a survey of the most recognizable and liked athletes in the country.
Based on a study done by Gemba, Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt were the top names in Australian sport in 2016. The rest of the Top 10 consisted of Australians, none of whom are tennis players.
The survey ranked sports figures according to public awareness and likability. According to *News International*, Federer had the top combined score among athletes and was second behind Hugh Jackman among all figures in Australia. Federer has topped the standings several times, and Federer, Nadal and Djokovic were the top three for a second straight time.
Hewitt made a return to the Top 10 following his retirement in 2016. He’s now the Australian Davis Cup captain.
The annual study surveys Australians on the top sports names in the country.