Agence France-Presse
Berlin, April 19: Novak Djokovic walked away with his third ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ trophy, while Serena Williams also bagged the women’s top honour for a third time as tennis became the toast of the 16th Laureus World Sports awards presented in a glittering ceremony here Monday evening.
Djokovic, who won this award in 2012 and 2015, walked away with the ‘Oscar of Sports’ 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.
“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,” stated the jovial Serbian.
“I dedicate this award to two people who have inspired me. I want to thank them for their legacy, Mr Nicki Lauda and Mr Johan Cryuff,” Djokovic added after being presented the trophy by current F1 leader Nico Rosberg.
Soccer genius Lionel Messi, who had been nominated for a fifth time, once again lost out on the top award. “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.
Serena was the overwhelming favourite in the women’s category 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. She however did not attend the function.
In the other categories, American golf star Jordan Spieth, who was also nominated in the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ category, won the ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ award. The 22-year-old Spieth is the reigning World No.1, who has already won the Masters and the US Open.
Three-time F1 World Champion Nicki Lauda was presented the ‘Laureus Lifetime Achievement’ award. “I dedicate this award to all the losers. Because it is after losing that I learnt the most,” the 67-year-old Austrian said after being presented the trophy by reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
The Laureus Academy also paid tribute to the late Johan Cryuff, who passed away last month after battling cancer. Cryuff was chosen for the ‘Laureus Spirit of Sport’ award.
