Serbian Novak Djokovic and double Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams were named world champions by the International Tennis Federation.

“This has been another memorable year for our sport, highlighted by the most successful Olympic tennis event in history,” said the ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti

“In such a strong era for men’s tennis, it is a great achievement for Novak to retain his year-end No. 1 ranking, while on the women’s side Serena proved herself to be one of the finest competitors of all time.”

25-year-old Djokovic, who also received the ITF honor last year, defended his Australian Open title at the start of the season, and reached the finals of the French Open and U.S. Open. He lost in the Wimbledon semifinals to Swiss champion Roger Federer in July. Djokovic later beat Federer at the ATP World Tour Finals in London to take his score of tournament wins to six this season.

“It was very difficult to follow up such a successful season in 2011, but it was extremely satisfying to win another Grand Slam title, reach two other major finals and finish the year at No. 1,” Djokovic said.

Williams, 31, wins the award for the third time. She won her fifth Wimbledon singles championship in July, before taking the gold medal in the singles and doubles tournament with her sister Venus at the London Olympics a month later. In September, she captured her 15th major title at the U.S. Open, and won the year-end WTA Championships a month later to finish the season with a Tour-best seven titles.




http://www.sportinferno.com/article/41/itf-names-djokovic-and-serena-williams-world-champions-for-2012/

Great achievement for both players. Serena, having battled serious foot injury and surgery came roaring back in the second half of the season winning almost all the major trophies. Well done to her, I see a number one ranking soon, she definitely was the best hands down.

Novak, the playful yet serious mentally strong no 1 had imho a better year than 2011. Before you all berate me remember that backing up success is always harder than being successful. Even though he won 2 less slams than 2011 he was able to reclaim the no 1 spot he lost to federer, won in the best match of the year (australian open final against rafa), reached 4 slam finals in a row by reaching first french open final, now topped it by winning the ATP world finals. Wonderful player and man.