LONDON (AP) - Novak Djokovic capped an incredible season with the ITF World Champion award on Tuesday, becoming the first player other than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to win since 2003.
Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic won the women’s award, while American twins Bob and Mike Bryan were picked in doubles for the eighth time.
Djokovic won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open in a stellar year in which the 24-year-old Serb took over as the top-ranked player, finishing with 10 titles and a 70-6 overall record.
“Starting with victory in last year’s Davis Cup final, this has been an almost perfect 12 months for me,” Djokovic said. “I have always dreamed about becoming the best in the world, and to have won three Grand Slam titles and finished the year as No. 1 is very special.”
Kvitova won Wimbledon and led the Czech Republic to victory in the Fed Cup, ending a breakthrough year as the second-ranked player in the world.
“I will cherish this award, which is the cherry on top of a wonderful year,” said the 21-year-old Kvitova, who edged out top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki _ last year’s champion _ in the voting.
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti praised Djokovic and Kvitova for having strong records individually and with their countries.
“Novak’s achievements this year are remarkable in such a strong era for men’s tennis, while Petra has made a major breakthrough on the women’s tour,” Bitti said.
Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic and Katarina Srebotnik of Slovenia won the award in women’s doubles.
The players will receive their awards at the annual ITF World Champions dinner in Paris on June 5, during the French Open.
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