Djokovic is Laureus Sportsman of the Year
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Novak Djokovic pipped the likes of Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi to win the 'Sportsman of the Year' trophy for a third time, while Serena Williams clinched the top honour in the women's category at the Laureus World Awards here today.
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Djokovic, who won this award in 2012 and '15, walked away with it for a second successive time after clinching three Grand Slams – Australian, Wimbledon and US Open – last year. He was also the finalist in the French Open.
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"I am very proud of it. It wouldn't have been possible without the great team that I have. I am grateful to the love and passion of tennis that brought me here. Sports has inspired me in so many different ways. I dedicate this award to two people who have inspired. I want to thank them for their legacy, My Nicki Lauda and Mr Johan Cryuff," Djokovic said after being presented the trophy by current F1 leader Nico Rosberg.
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Messi, who had been nominated for a fifth time, once again lost out on the top award.
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"It's probably a glitch we need to correct. Somebody like Messi ought to win this award. Maybe football being a team sport comes in the way," Laureus academy member Steve Waugh said before the ceremony.
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Williams was the overwhelming favourite after securing a record 10th nomination and thanks to her three Grand Slams last season, the American notched up her third 'Sportswoman of the Year' Laureus trophy.
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The winners: Â
Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic (Serbia, Tennis); Sportswoman of the Year:Â Serena Williams (US, Tennis); Team of the Year: All Blacks (New Zealand, Rugby); Breakthrough of the Year: Jordan Spieth (US, Golf); Comeback of the Year: Dan Carter (New Zealand, Rugby); Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Daniel Dias (Brazil, swimming); Action Sportsperson of the Year: Jan Frodeno (Germany, Ironman Triathlon).