Djokovic scoops Laureus award

Photo: www.laureusarchive.comNovak Djokovic (SRB)

Novak Djokovic’s outstanding year in 2011 has seen him crowned as Laureus World Sportsman of the Year during a ceremony in London.  The Laureus awards are presented annually and celebrate the top sporting achievements of the past 12 months.
Djokovic began the year with a 43 match winning streak that included a second Australian Open crown and lasted until the semifinals at Roland Garros. A first Wimbledon title saw him rise to world No. 1, a position which he consolidated by taking a third Grand Slam title for the year at the US Open.
In addition to the Grand Slam titles Djokovic won five Masters 1000 events, his hometown tournament in Belgrade, and Dubai, beating Rafael Nadal in six of those finals, and boasting a 70-6 overall win-loss record.
Esther Vergeer, a six-time nominee and two-time winner of the Laureus World Sportsperson with a Disability award, was among six nominees for this year’s award, but lost out to athlete Oscar Pistorius.
She was nominated for the 2012 award after another outstanding season in 2011, having won her 14th NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters title, all three Grand Slam singles titles and extended her winning streak to 434 matches.