Roger Federer bags twin honours, becomes most decorated Laureus award winner

Roger FedererTennis legend Roger Federer became the most decorated winner in the history of Laureus World Sports Awards after he won twin honours his sixth which includes the Sportsman and Comeback titles at the 18th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony here In the Sportsman of the Year category Federer waved off tough competition from the likes of Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo to bag the honours The Swiss tennis star who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year also clinched the Comeback of the Year award following his achievements after making a comeback from a serious knee injuryWhile Federer bagged the title in the mens category American tennis great Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year Award following her Australian Open success her 23rd Grand Slam title Serena who gave birth to her first child last year is now the most decorated female Laureus Award winner with five Laureus statuettes Speaking after receiving the awards an ecstatic Federer said This is a very special moment for me Everyone knows how highly I value my Laureus Awards so to win another would have been wonderful but to win two is a truly unique honour It was so unexpected I am delighted and I would like to thank the Laureus Academy for all their supportIt was an unforgettable year for me to come back after a very difficult 2016 and these awards just make it even more memorable When I won my first Laureus Award back in 2005 if you had said I would have ended up winning six I would not have believed you Its been an amazing ride Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia won his second Laureus Award 18 years after winning the Laureus Newcomer accolade at the 2000 Awards when he bagged the Breakthrough of the Year Award for winning the 2017 Masters his first ever Major Championship win on his 74th attemptAmong other winners Mercedes AMG Petronas beat the likes of Real Madrid and the Golden State Warriors to win the Team of the Year Award after securing their fourth successive Constructors World Championship titleFrench Vendeacutee Globe winning sailor Armel Le Cleacuteach won the Action Sportsperson of the Year Award while Swiss triple world champion wheelchair racer Marcel Hug won the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award for his 800m 1500m and 5000m titles in the T54 class at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in LondonAttended by sports stars celebrities and business leaders from around the world the awards recognised sporting achievement in the 2017 calendar year and were hosted by Hollywood superstar Benedict Cumberbatch while worldrenowned singersongwriter Emeli Sandeacute performed for guests Brazilian football team Chapecoense which was torn apart by a devastating plane crash but made a remarkable comeback six months later which inspired the sporting world were honoured with the Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year AwardActive Communities Network an international sport for development organisation which works in the UK Ireland and South Africa received the Laureus Sport for Good Award for their lifechanging work in using sport to help young people make positive lifestyle choices by learning life skills and progressing into education training and employment programmes Among other awards Italy and Roma football legend Francesco Totti received the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award honoured for his inspirational 22year onemanclub career with Roma and his 2006 World Cup success with ItalyHouston Texans defensive end J J Watt received the Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award for his incredible fundraising efforts after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston where he raised more than USD 37 million to support relief effortsBesides US Olympic legend and Laureus Academy member Edwin Moses received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for his remarkable sporting career in which he won two Olympic gold medals and remained unbeaten for nine years nine months and nine days in the 400 metres hurdlesCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereDownload the new midday Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go