Federer sparkles with double glory at Laureus

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Tennis icon Roger Federer, who recently regained the World No. 1 spot, has hogged the limelight at the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards, held in Monaco on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was the toast of the night as he won the awards for the Sportsman of the Year and the Comeback of the Year.

Federer was chosen for the coveted honors after winning his record eighth Wimbledon title in 2017, becoming only the second man in the Open era to win the title without dropping a set.

Swiss tennis player Roger Federer with his sportsman and comeback award trophies. /VCG Photo

The Renaissance man followed that up by claiming his 20th career major at this year's Australian Open, apart from catapulting himself back to the perch of world tennis on Feb. 19.

In recognition of his emphatic return to the sport after missing the second half of 2016 with a knee injury, Federer was named for the Comeback of the Year award.

Interestingly, this year’s double glory has increased his overall Laureus tally to an incredible six statuettes, making him the most decorated winner since the annual sports awards began in 2000.

Meanwhile, his female counterpart, Serena Williams, outshone Caster Semenya and Katie Ledecky to win her 4th Sportswoman of the Year award.

File of Serena Williams, winner of Women's singles final at the 2017 Australian Open. /VCG Photo

Last year’s Masters winner, Sergio Garcia, who missed the event as he was in Dubai for a golf event with Ian Poulter, claimed the Breakthrough award. The Spaniard had earlier won the award way back in 2000.

Among other winners of the night, Italian football legend Francesco Totti claimed the Academy Exceptional Achievement Award for his role with Roma and the Azzurris. Notably, the Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed upon two-time 400-meter hurdles Olympic champion Edwin Moses while Formula One giants, Mercedes was named the Team of the Year for winning both the Drivers’ and Constructor's titles in 2017.