Djokovic rules the world at Laureus awards

7 Feb 2012, 2:59 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Djokovic's win meant the award has been taken out by a men's tennis player in six of the past eight years. (Getty)

Djokovic's win meant the award has been taken out by a men's tennis player in six of the past eight years. (Getty)

Novak Djokovic's sensational performances in 2011 have seen him pick up the Laureus award for the world's top sportsman.

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Novak Djokovic no longer just rules tennis, he rules the sporting world.

The Serbian superstar confirmed his growing status by winning the Laureus sportsman of the year award in London.

After putting counterparts Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the shade in 2011, Djokovic topped a list including Australian Cadel Evans (cycling), Lionel Messi (soccer), Usain Bolt (athletics), Dirk Nowitzki (basketball) and Sebastian Vettel (Formula One).

Having won four of the past five grand slams, including last month's epic Australian Open final, Djokovic was humbled by the honour.

"It's a spectacular feeling," he said.

"It's difficult to describe how good it feels in words for me, for my family.

"What stands out most for me in these two days I spent in London is getting to know the legends of sport and practically absorbing every word they said."

Djokovic let slip just how much he wants to win the French Open, the only major trophy missing from his collection.

"Obviously, Roland Garros is the one to win this year," he said.

"All the grand slams and Olympic Games, they are my priorities this year."

Djokovic's triumph in central London meant the men's award has been taken out by a tennis player in six of the past eight years.

The Queensland Reds missed out on comeback of the year category with Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke collecting the award for his emotional triumph at last year's British Open.

Kenyan distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot was sportswoman of the year despite the world athletics governing body having thought that Australian hurdler Sally Pearson was a superior athlete last year.

Pearson was named the IAAF's female athlete of the year in 2011 but was not nominated for the Laureus award.

Cheruiyot won the cross country world title in Spain last year before completing the 5000m and 10,000m double in Daegu.

The peerless FC Barcelona captured the team of the year award, shading New Zealand's Rugby World Cup winning side.

The All Blacks could consider themselves a touch unlucky with South Africa and England taking out the honour following their respective victories at the 2007 and 2003 World Cups.

But the Spanish side's enchanting style of play proved too much to resist.

Golfer Rory McIlroy won the breakthrough of the year award for his US Open win and Kelly Slater won the action sportsperson category for his 11th world surfing title.

Controversial South African runner Oscar Pistorius was sportsperson of the year with a disability.

The lifetime achievement award went to Manchester United and England great Sir Bobby Charlton, who missed the ceremony because of a minor operation.

The world's sports media decide the nominees before the 47-strong Laureus academy, made up of sporting greats, vote for the winners.

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