Laureus Sportsman of the Year Novak Djokovic says he is the best in the world because...
Laureus Sportsman of the Year Novak Djokovic says he is the best in the world because...
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Best man: Tennis World No 1 Novak Djokovic poses with his Laureus
World Sportsman of the Year trophy in London on Monday. Pic/Getty
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"Serbia is a small and beautiful country, but also very poor," he said emotionally after receiving the award here on Monday. "It has a lot of troubles and wars in the last 20 years." However, the man said he never lost his dream. "I hope each and every one in the world could dream."
The Serbian, who for a long time was overshadowed by the glory of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, rose up in 2011 to win Australian, Wimbledon and US Open Grand Slam titles.
He also grabbed the No 1 ranking from the tenacious Nadal. The first player representing Serbia to win a Grand Slam singles title, Djokovic, 24, is also the youngest player to edge into the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in the open era.
Legendary tennis player Pete Sampras described his season as "the best I have seen in my lifetime".
Kenyan distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot won the Sportswoman of the year and while the glory of best team went to reigning Champions League football holders FC Barcelona.
In other categories, South Africa's "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius snatched the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. American surfing giant Kelly Slater equalled Roger Federer's recordu00a0 of four Laureus Awards, as the Action Sportsperson of the year.
Laureus award winners
* World Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic (tennis)
* World Sportswoman of the Year: Vivian Cheruiyot (athletics)
* Team of the Year: FC Barcelona (football)
* World Sportsperson with a Disability: Oscar Pistorius (athletics)
* Action Sportsperson of the year: Kelly Slater (surfing)
* Breakthrough of the Year: Rory Mcllroy (golf)
* Comeback of the year: Dareen Clarke (golf)
* Lifetime Achievement Award: Bobby Charlton (football)
* Sport for Good Award: Rai Souza Vieira de Oliveira
(ex-Brazil footballer turned social justice campaigner)
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