World No 1 Djokovic honoured at Laureus Awards

LONDON Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic added to his ever-growing trophy cabinet this evening by winning the Laureus world sportsman of the year award at a glittering ceremony in London.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Novak Djokovic poses with his Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award trophy. Net photo

LONDONWimbledon champion Novak Djokovic added to his ever-growing trophy cabinet this evening by winning the Laureus world sportsman of the year award at a glittering ceremony in London.Djokovic enjoyed a stellar 2011, clinching the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open grand slam titles.Northern Irish golfer Darren Clarke was awarded the comeback of the year award for winning the Open Championship at the age of 42, and compatriot Rory McIlroy won the breakthrough of the year gong after lifting the US Open.Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was given the lifetime achievement award and ‘Blade Runner’ athlete Oscar Pistorius won the Laureus disability award after becoming the first amputee to win a track medal in a non-disabled World Championships - a silver in the 4x400metre relay.Champions League winners Barcelona were named Laureus team of the year while Kenyan long-distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot took home the sportswoman of the year award.Djokovic said: ‘I have to say it’s an extreme pleasure being part of such a great event. ‘It’s a spectacular feeling. It’s difficult to describe how good it feels in words for me, for my family.Djokovic won the award a week after retaining his Australian Open crown in a record-breaking final that lasted almost six hours.