World domination in tennis: Serbian player Novak Djokovic with award
Two tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Boris Beker
Mutual conversation: British Prime Minister David Cameron and Novak Djokovic
World #1 tennis superstar Novak Djokovic added to his accolades with a win at the 2012 Laureus Sports Awards ceremony in London, celebrating the best in sports in 2011.
Nole won 3 of 4 Majors in 2011, losing only 2 matches (1 by injury withdrawal) through the end of the US Open. His season was also hightlighted by a 41 match winning streak to start the year. He stumbled with a few losses at the end of the year, but started 2012 by showing he will again be the man to beat, taking down Rafael Nadal in an epic 5 hour, 53 minute Australian Open final. Djokovic now has won 3 straight Major and looks for the Novak Slam at Roland Garros 2012.
The Serbian player won three Grand Slam titles in 2011 - the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open – as well as ousting Rafael Nadal from the world number one spot.
He beat off competition from world footballer of the year Lionel Messi, Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, former two-time award winner Usain Bolt, NBA basketball star Dirk Nowitzki and Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel to claim the award.
Tennis has always fared well in the awards, with previous winners including Roger Federer (four times), Tiger Woods, Michael Schumacher and Bolt (each twice), Lance Armstrong and Rafa Nadal.
Other winners at the awards ceremony in London included Kenya's world 5000 and 10000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot being named Sportswoman of the Year, and Barcelona winning the team of the year.
The breakthrough of the year award went to golfer Rory McIlory, with the comeback of the year trophy going to another Northern Ireland golfer, Darren Clarke.
