Advertisement
Djokovic cradles his ATP world finals trophy. Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport
Awards Season

Make some room: Djokovic and Williams are named world champions

Guess Michael Flatley will have to take that accolade off his CV now.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC AND Serena Williams have been announced as this year’s International Tennis Federation world champions.

Djokovic, 25, finished top of the world rankings after successfully defending his Australian Open title and reaching the finals of the French Open and US Open.

It is the second year in succession that he has been named ITF world champion.

Williams, 31, took her total number of Grand Slam titles to 15 in 2012 after winning Wimbledon and the US Open.

She also finished top of the world rankings and won singles gold at the London Olympics.

The ITF accolades are based on their performances in tournaments throughout 2012.

Djokovic ducks a Williams forehand during an exhibition match to raise funds for the Haiti appeal in 2010. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Williams finished 2012 as third seed in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings – Victoria Azarenka is first – but her grand slam achievements also won her the WTA player of the year prize.

The fabulous Bryan boys

The sport’s governing body also said that US brothers Bob and Mike Bryan were men’s doubles world champions for the ninth time in 10 years, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy were the women’s equivalent.

Dutch wheelchair tennis legend Esther Vergeer won the title for the 13th year in succession after she won Paralympic singles gold for the fourth Paralympics in a row. Stephane Houdet of France won the men’s award.

Selection of world champions is based on results, with weight given to Grand Slams, the Olympics and both ITF international team competitions, the Davis Cup and Fed Cup.

- © AFP, 2012

VIDEO: All 86 of Lionel Messi’s goals in 2012

Blacklisted: Dan Carter snubbed in New Zealand player of the year nominations