Novak and Serena scoop Laureus titles

Tennis dominated the 2016 Laureus World Sports Awards, with world No.1s Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams scooping the biggest individual titles.

Djokovic was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, beating fellow star athletes American basketballer Stephen Curry, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, Argentinean footballer Lionel Messi, British driver Lewis Hamilton and American golfer Jordan Spieth for the prestigious award.

The Serbian has now won the award the three times he has been nominated, having also claimed it in 2012 and 2015.

Congratulations to @DjokerNole, your Laureus World Sportsman of the Year! #LWSA16 pic.twitter.com/6ABX5MhKXi

— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 18, 2016

“I am very proud of it,” Djokovic said as he accepted the award at the ceremony in Berlin. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the great team that I have. I am grateful to the love and passion of tennis that brought me here. Sports has inspired me in so many different ways.”

Tennis has dominated the category in recent years with Roger Federer winning four times between 2005 and 2008, while Rafael Nadal won in 2011.

What a wonderful, emotional night! So grateful and honoured. Thank you @laureussport https://t.co/CHeVDlNBIW

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 18, 2016

Williams created history when she became the first woman to win three Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year awards.

It was the American’s 10th nomination, having previously won in 2003 and 2010.

Williams won from a stellar field of nominees including American swimmer Katie Ledecky, American footballer Carli Lloyd, Ethiopian athlete Genzebe Dibaba, Austrian skier Anna Fenninger and Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Congratulations again to Serena Williams, your Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year! #LWSA16 pic.twitter.com/u2u7OSyn6V

— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 18, 2016

Williams was not in Berlin to accept the award.

Previous tennis winners include Justine Henin in 2008 and Jennifer Capriati in 2002.