Tennis world no 1 Novak Djokovic has won the 2016 Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award.
Djokovic, 28, took home the award for the second year in succession at a colourful ceremony in Berlin.
The Serbian ace, who had an incredible 2015, edged out Lionel Messi, Lewis Hamilton, Usain Bolt, golfer Jordan Spieth and NBA star Stephen Curry to claim the prestigious honour; and he took the opportunity to tell the world that tennis is clean.
“As long as we don’t have proof that the game is not clean, then it is clean,” said Djokovic.
“He had a great year again,” said Djokovic’s coach Boris Becker, a Laureus Academy member.
“He’s played 88 matches, has won 82, He won three out of the four Grand Slams, reached the final of the French Open, he’s won seven other tournaments.
“Very few players, if any, had a year like that.”
The All Black were Team of the Year. Image: Mirror
New Zealand’s triumphant Rugby World Cup winners (All Blacks) beat the likes of Barcelona to be named team of the year, with fly-half Dan Carter claiming the comeback athlete of the year award for his starring role in their triumph.
Golfing sensation Jordan Speith took home the Breakthrough of the Year award, F1 legend Niki Lauda won the lifetime achievement award while the spirit of sport award went to the deceased Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.
Jordi Cruyff took the award on behalf of his late father. Image: Mirror
The Complete Winners
Breakthrough of the Year: Jordan Spieth (USA)
Comeback of the Year: Dan Carter (New Zealand).
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Daniel Dias (Brazil)
Action Sportsperson of the Year: Jan Frodeno (Germany)
Team Athlete of the Year: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams (USA)
Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Team of the Year: All Blacks (New Zealand)
Spirit of Sport: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
Lifetime Achievement: Niki Lauda (Formula 1)
Credit: Mirror
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