However you look at it, a decade is a long time and especially so when it comes to sports. In the sporting world, 2010 to 2019 has been pretty special and also pretty dramatic. From US residents now being able to bet on sports with the BetRivers sportsbook and other sites, to superb games and high-level action, this current decade has been a real treat for fans.
Of course, a major part of why it has been so amazing is the players who we have had the privilege of watching over the last 10 years. These fantastic athletes have given us magical moments to remember and some awesome skills to marvel at. Which sportsmen have really made this decade their own?
The NBA has had a great last 10 years as a whole and has been something of a golden age for basketball. While you could look to players such as Steph Curry or James Harden, Kevin Durant is probably worth a mention first. Durant will certainly go down as an NBA great, and the 2010s were his standout years so far.
Not only did he scoop two NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors during these years, but he was also a two-time MVP Finals player. He has also been one of the NBA All-Star players for every year since 2010 and also been top scorer for four seasons in that period. When you also factor in his two Olympic gold medals picked up with Team USA in the 2010s, it is clear just what a great decade he has had.
Tom BradyOne of the other top players we have seen in sports over the last 10 years is star quarterback Tom Brady. He has really had a decade to remember in the NFL and has continued to show that age is no barrier to success! Brady has been the face and standout performer for the New England Patriots over the previous decade.
His throwing accuracy, quick thinking and calmness under pressure have helped the side to be the dominant team in football during the 2010s. This has helped him become a massive global name in sports and gain a lot of media attention. When you look at his stats though, it is well deserved - Super Bowl wins in 2014, 2016 and 2018 are highlights for sure. Add in three MVP awards and the most wins of any QB in NFL history and you can see why he is on this list.
Roger FedererMoving outside of the most popular sports such as football or basketball gives us a chance to look at sportsmen in other spheres who have really dominated the 2010s. Tennis is a very popular game globally and Roger Federer has enjoyed a great 10 years. While Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic push him close, most people think of Federer when they think of men's tennis in that period.
A terrific player, the Swiss maestro really does have it all. Even though he is no spring chicken now, his mental strength, shot accuracy and movement around the court are second to none. Federer also has a deceptively effective serve to count on. The 2010s have really been kind to him with five wins at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. When you also count the number of big tournaments in which he has made the finals and semi-finals, he deserves his mention on our list.
LeBron JamesWhen we are talking about sportsmen who have really dominated over this decade and gained a big reputation, basketball star LeBron James is up there with the best. The simple fact is that this is a player who has it all - he can pass, defend and also score points. During this decade, James went to seven NBA finals in a row and won three NBA championships. For this reason, many consider him to be one of the greatest ever to have played basketball and certainly one of the sportsmen to stand out in the 2010s. One thing is for sure - all he has achieved in the decade makes him a true sporting icon.
The 2010s have been a great decade for sportsThe end of a decade is the perfect time to look back on it and assess how it went. In terms of sports, the above athletes show just how good it has been. Of course, there are many other top players who we could have put in, such as the NHL's Alex Ovechkin or baseball's Clayton Kershaw. One thing is without doubt though - any sports fan in the 2010s has been spoilt with some top players to follow.
