Serena pips Caster, Federer nets Laureus double

SOUTH AFRICA’s track queen, Caster Semenya, came close to winning the Laureus world sportswoman of the year award but was pipped by US tennis sensation and new mom Serena Williams, who picked up her fifth award.

Roger Federer was crowned the world sportsman of the year and comeback of the year.

The two awards have made Swiss star Federer, 36, whose mother Lynette is South African, the most decorated Laureus recipient of all time with a record six.

The Laureus 2018 winners are:

Serena Williams wins sportswoman crown – her fifth Sergio Garcia wins breakthrough award after Masters success – his 74th Major attempt

Four-time F1 constructors champions Mercedes-AMG Petronas pick up team accolade

JJ Watt receives Laureus sporting inspiration award for his remarkable fundraising efforts after Houston was devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

Active Communities Network wins Laureus sport for good award.

Francesco Totti wins Academy exceptional achievement award and is inducted into Laureus Academy alongside fellow one-club man Ryan Giggs.

Edwin Moses honoured by Laureus Academy with lifetime achievement award

Swiss triple world champion wheelchair racer Marcel Hug wins disability award

Vendee Globe-winning sailor Armel Le Cléac’h receives action sportsperson accolade

Laureus best sporting moment of the tear won by Chapecoense, the only award voted for by sports fans, for rebuilding after the majority of their first-team squad were killed in an air disaster.

The two awards made Federer, 36, the most decorated Laureus winner

Pictures: EPA-EFE NOTABLE: US former track and field athlete Edwin Moses was honoured with the lifetime achiever award.

FOOTIE STAR: Brazilian soccer player Jakson Ragnar Follmann was given the Laureus best sporting moment of the year award.

PARALYMPIAN: Swiss wheelchair racer Marcel Hug was named world sportsperson of the year with a disability.

COMEBACK KID: Swiss tennis player Roger Federer was honoured with the sportsman and comeback awards.