Djokovic glitters once again, makes it two in two at Laureus
The favourite won again. World No 1 Novak Djokovic was voted the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the second successive year in a glittering ceremony here on Monday.
Djokovic had a near-perfect season last year, winning 11 titles, including three Grand Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open) and the ATP World Tour Finals. He had an astounding win-loss record of 82-6.
The 58 academy members acknowledged the numbers to vote for the Serb ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, sprint king Usain Bolt, Formula One’s reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and golf ’s new sensation Jordan Spieth. DEDICATING AWARD Djokovic, who was handed the statuette by Mercedes’ driver Nico Rosberg, dedicated his win to the late Johan Cruyff and Formula One legend Niki Lauda, both of whom got special awards.
An emotional Jordi, Cruyff ’s son, received the Spirit of Sports Award on behalf of his father. Lauda was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cruyff, who shaped modern football with his attacking and fluent playing style as a player and coach, died of cancer last month. Lauda was the only man to win titles with Ferrari and McLaren.
Djokovic was seated in the front row when the audio-visual presentation on the legends was played, and he said it made him emotional and forget the speech he had written for the ceremony.
“I needed to dedicate my award for these two people, who not only did exceptionally well in their sport but touched the lives of many,” he said.
Serena Williams was named World Sportswoman of the Year. Unlike Djokovic, she skipped the ceremony.
New Zealand’s rugby team, the All Blacks, were the night’s big winners as they walked away with the Team of the Year Award, while Dan Carter their fly-half won the Comeback of the Year Award for fashioning the World Cup win.
Losing out to Djokovic, there was consolation for Jordan Spie th as he was named the Big Breakthrough of the Year.
SERENA WILLIAMS WAS NAMED WORLD SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR. UNLIKE DJOKOVIC, SHE SKIPPED THE CEREMONY.