Tennis player Novak Djokovic jumps as he arrives for the Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 18, 2016. AP PHOTO
BERLIN — Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams won the Laureus awards as the top athletes in the world in 2015.
Djokovic won for the second straight year and third time overall and Williams picked up her fourth award. Williams did not attend the ceremony.
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In his acceptance speech, Djokovic dedicated the award to the late soccer star Johan Cruyff and the former Formula One driver Niki Lauda, who were also both honored at the ceremony Monday (Tuesday Manila time).
Lauda received a lifetime achievement award and Cruyff was honored for his charity work. His son Jordi accepted the award and the crowd of many renowned athletes rose for a standing ovation in honor of his late father, who died last month.
Team of the year award went to New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup winning team, while U.S. golfer Jordan Spieth won the breakthrough of the year honor. New Zealand captain Dan Carter got the award for the comeback of the year.
Brazilian swimmer Daniel Dias got the award for a sportsperson with a disability.
Triathlete Jan Frodeno of Germany took the action sportsman of the year award.
U.S. actor Bill Murray hosted the ceremony, opening the show while wearing a Bavarian folklore costume, including lederhosen.