Tennis legend Roger Federer became the most decorated winner in the history of Laureus World Sports Awards, with six statuettes, after he won the Sportsman and Comeback titles at the 18th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony, here on Tuesday.
In the Sportsman of the Year category, Federer waved off tough competition from the likes of Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo to bag the honours.
“This is a very special moment for me.
“Everyone knows how highly I value my Laureus Awards, so to win another would have been wonderful, but to win two is a truly unique honour.
Unforgettable year
“It was an unforgettable year for me, to come back after a very difficult 2016 and these Awards just make it even more memorable,” said Federer.
While Federer bagged the title in the men’s category, Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year Award following her Australian Open success, her 23rd Grand Slam title.
Serena, who gave birth to her first child last year, is now the most decorated female Laureus Award winner with five statuettes.
Garcia’s second
Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia received the Breakthrough of the Year award for winning the 2017 Masters, his second Laureus Award, 18 years after winning the Laureus Newcomer accolade at the 2000 Awards. Among other winners, Mercedes AMG Petronas beat the likes of Real Madrid and the Golden State Warriors to win the Team of the Year Award, after securing its fourth successive Constructors World Championship title.
Brazilian football team Chapecoense, whose comeback from a devastating plane crash inspired the sporting world, was honoured with the Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year award.
Totti, Moses honoured
Italian football legend Francesco Totti received the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award for his 22-year contribution to Roma.
He also joined Wales manager Ryan Giggs as the newest members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
American Olympic legend and Laureus Academy member Edwin Moses received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
