TIL Desk Sports/ Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia won his fourth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year here on Monday, and American record-holding gymnast Simone Biles bagged the World Sportswoman of the Year Award thanks to her dominant world championship performance last year.
Djokovic triumphed in tough competition against football star duo of Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, Kenyan marathon world record-breaker Eliud Kipchoge and NBA superstar LeBron James.
“A Laureus Award is what every athlete wants to win, and this one is a huge honour for me. Being among so many sporting greats here tonight, and hearing about the inspirational work Laureus is doing around the world, gives this Award a special meaning for me,” said Djokovic.
The fourth Sportsman of the Year trophy has moved Djokovic level with athletics icon Usain Bolt, just one shy of Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer’s record. After returning from an elbow surgery, Djokovic won the Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018.