Novak Djokovic pipped the likes of Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi to win the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ trophy for the third time, while Serena Williams clinched the top honour in the women’s category at the Laureus World Awards in Berlin. Djokovic, who won this award in 2012 and ’15, walked away with it for a second successive time after clinching three Grand Slams – Australian, Wimbledon and US Open – last year. He was also the finalist in the French Open.
Messi, who had been nominated for the fifth time, once again lost out on the top award.
The winners in the 2016 Laureus World Sports Awards
- Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Novak Djokovic (Serbia, Tennis)
- Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Serena Williams (US, Tennis)
- Laureus World Team of the Year Award: All Blacks (New Zealand, Rugby)
- Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Jordan Spieth (US, Golf)
- Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Dan Carter (New Zealand, Rugby)
- Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Daniel Dias (Brazil, swimming)
- Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Jan Frodeno (Germany, Ironman Triathlon)
Did You Know?
- The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual award ceremony honoring remarkable individuals from the world of sports along with the greatest sporting achievements throughout the year.
- It was established in 1999 by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation founding patrons Daimler and Richemont and supported by its global partners Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen.
- The first ceremony was held on May 25, 2000, in Monte Carlo.
