Djokovic lands top award

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic added to his ever-growing trophy cabinet late Monday by winning the Laureus world sportsman of the year award at a glittering ceremony in London.

Djokovic enjoyed a stellar 2011, clinching the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open grand slam titles.

The Serbian world number one collected his latest gong at a ceremony in London which was attended by luminaries from the sporting world such as Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, former Ajax and Barcelona star Johan Cruyff, and five-time Olympic champion Steve Redgrave.

“This is up there with the prizes you can win,” said Djokovic, who saw off competition from sprint star Usain Bolt, Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel and Barcelona football maestro Lionel Messi.

“But this wasn’t an individual effort. To compete with the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the top players the game has ever seen, takes a lot of self-belief and dedication – as well as a great team behind you.”

Northern Irish golfer Darren Clarke was awarded the comeback of the year award for winning the Open Championship at the age of 42, and compatriot Rory McIlroy won the breakthrough of the year gong after lifting the US Open.

‘Blade Runner’ athlete Oscar Pistorius won the Laureus disability award after becoming the first amputee to win a track medal in a non-disabled World Championships – a silver in the 4x400 metre relay.

Champions League winners Barcelona were named Laureus team of the year while Kenyan long-distance runner Vivian Che-ruiyot took home the sportswoman of the year award.