Laureus World Sportsman of the Year #4

World tennis number one Roger Federer dominated sports headlines worldwide yet again by being crowned the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fourth year running!

Federer had already made history last year when he scooped up a third straight Laureus award. By collecting another award this year, the Swiss has become first man to win the award four times--in straight years no less!---since the awards, considered the Oscars of the sports world, were established in 1999. Only one other athlete had been named Sportsman of the Year in consective years (2000 and 2001): Federer's good friend Tiger Woods who is another giant in the world of sports and a nominee himself this year.

It was in fact a big night for tennis as other Laureus winners this year included Federer's fellow world tennis number one Justine Henin who was named World Sportswoman of the Year and wheelchair tennis legend Esther Vergeer who won the Laureus Disability Award for the second time.

The Swiss star who was on hand to receive the award during the star-studded ceremonies held in St. Petersburg, Russia yesterday thanked "all voters who didn't think three would be enough."

Indeed, given another amazing tennis season last year which saw him add another three grand slam titles--including a record-tying fifth straight Wimbledon title and a fourth straight US Open title--to his ever-growing haul of trophies and hold on to the year-end number one ranking for a fourth straight year, who could refuse the deserving tennis great one more accolade in recognition of such achievements?

Apparently four Laureus awards would not satisfy Federer himself as he told reporters afterwards, "I would like to win it again next year to have five in a row. I have five (successive) Wimbledon titles so it would be great to have five Laureus."

Long live King Roger the great!
Photo credit: Getty Images

Roger withdraws from Kooyong

After beginning the year by being recognized as a champion of champions by two voting bodies, Federer's preparations for the brand new tennis season has been temporarily derailed. Our dear Swiss tennis superstar has apparently fallen victim to a "terrible stomach virus" and has been advised by doctors to rest for a couple of days. As a result, Federer had no choice but to withdraw from the AAMI Classic Kooyong, in which he participates as warm-up to the Australian Open, in order to recuperate and regain his strength in time for the season's very first Grand Slam tournament. Naturally all of us fans are praying for his quick recovery and hoping that he'll be back 100% to defend his title.

Get well soon, Roger!

New year, more awards

Clocks have barely chimed in the new year yet with true Swiss precision Federer has already even won more recognition for his achievements without missing a beat!

First, the French newspaper L'Equipe overwhelmingly named him 'Champion of Champions' and then the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) voted him the world’s 'Top Sporting Champion of the Year'. This is the third year in a row that the world number one has won both awards. He's truly a great champion.

Congratulations once again to the King of Tennis! What a great way to start a new year.

CNN's Play of the Year

I was watching CNN International's World Sport: Best of 2007 earlier this evening and, surprise! Federer's amazing between-the-legs shot during his match against Bracialli in the early rounds of Dubai Duty Free Open earlier this year was shown. CNN International had just named it World Sport's Play of the Year! Another perfectly wonderful way to end the year. All bow down to King Roger the Great!

Seasons greetings from ATP tennis stars

Here's a hilarious video of a few ATP tennis stars singing (or at least trying to sing) Jingle Bells. Be sure to watch it til the end!