Tennis player Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses his award at the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards, central London, February 6, 2012. (Photo: Agencies)
Novak Djokovic was acclaimed Laureus World Sportsman of the year on Monday.
The Serbian tennis player won Australian, Wimbledon and US Open Grand Slams in his remarkable 2011. He also took away the tennis world No.1 ranking from Rafael Nadal.
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron talks to tennis player Novak Djokovic during a reception for the 2012 Laureus Awards in 10 Downing Street in central London Feb 6, 2012. (Photo: Agencies)
The first player representing Serbia to win a Grand Slam singles title, Djokovic is also the youngest player to edge into the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in the open era at the age of 24.
Although his level of performance dropped a little bit at the end of this season, Djokovic still proved his dominance with a 70-6 record.
Legendary tennis player Pete Sampras described his season as "the best I have seen in my lifetime".
Tennis Player Novak Djokovic (R) and his girlfriend Jelena Ristic pose for photographs as they arrive for the the Laureus World Sports Awards 2012 in central London Feb 6, 2012. (Photo: Agencies)
Kenyan runner Vivian Cheruiyot won the Laureus Award on Monday as the best Sportswoman of the Year.
Kenyan athlete Vivian Cheruiyot poses for photographs with her award at the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards, central London, February 6, 2012. (Photo: Agencies)
She snatched gold medals of both 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the World Championships in Daegu.
One of the great distance runners of this generation, Cheruiyot, 29, ran a final kilometer in the 5,000 meters competition of 2 minutes and 41.76 seconds, the fastest ever in World Championship history.
In the 10,000 meters, she finished as her personal best with 30 minutes 48.98 seconds. Earlier this year Cheruiyot won the World Cross-Country Championship in Punta Umbria in Spain.
Following is the full list of the 2012 Laureus World Sports Award winners:
1. Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Winner: Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Tennis -- won Australian, Wimbledon and US Open Grand Slams
2. Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
Winner: Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya)
Athletics -- won World Championship 5k and 10k and cross-country title
3. Laureus World Team of the Year
Winner: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Football -- won Champions League and Spanish League in 2010/11
