Novak Djokovic won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award on Monday at a ceremony in London.
The Serbian won three Grand Slam championships in 2011 – at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open – and became No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings. He compiled a 70-6 season record, including a 41-match winning streak that ended with a loss to Roger Federer in the Roland Garros semi-finals.
“On behalf of the ATP, I would like to congratulate Novak on his very deserving selection as Laureus World Sportsman of the Year,” said Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman and President.
“Last year, Novak thrilled fans around the world with one of the greatest seasons in the history of tennis. His incredible accomplishments on the court are even more impressive when you consider that he is playing amongst arguably the most talented generation of players of all-time. If Novak’s triumphant victory in Australia last month is any indication, we are in for another spectacular season in 2012.”
Djokovic won his fifth major championship and third at the Australian Open last month, when he beat Rafael Nadal in the final.
Laureus World Sports Awards Winners
Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic
Sportswoman of the Year: Vivian Cheruiyot
Team of the Year: FC Barcelona
Breakthrough of the Year: Rory McIlroy
Comeback of the Year: Darren Clarke
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Oscar Pistorius
Action Sportsperson of the Year: Kelly Slater
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Bobby Charlton
Sports for Good Award: Raí Souza
The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognise sporting achievement during 2011, were announced at the Awards Ceremony at Central Hall, Westminster, which was hosted by Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe winner Clive Owen and attended by guests from the worlds of sport and entertainment.
The 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards have had the support of UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson. Mr Cameron, who met Djokovic at a reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday afternoon, said, “I am delighted that the Laureus World Sports Awards are in London in 2012.
“These Awards celebrate the world’s top sportsmen and women and highlight the incredible power of sport to make a real difference to individuals and communities around the world. I can’t think of a better way to kick off our Olympic year.”
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said, “The Laureus World Sports Awards coming to London is one of the highlights of an amazing calendar of events taking place in London in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Having the Awards here shows that London is not only the greatest capital in the world but also the greatest place for sport at all levels – from top sports stars to grassroots sporting champions. Laureus and I share a commitment to making sport a positive part of everyone’s life regardless of age and ability and I am delighted that they have come to London in such an important year.”
