LONDON - Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who both lifted two Grand Slam titles last season, were yesterday named as repeat World Champions for 2009 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). It was the fifth time that Switzerland's Federer had won the honour, while Williams also claimed the title in 2002.
LONDON - Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who both lifted two Grand Slam titles last season, were yesterday named as repeat World Champions for 2009 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). It was the fifth time that Switzerland's Federer had won the honour, while Williams also claimed the title in 2002.
Federer, holder of the all-time record 15 singles titles at the majors, won the Roland Garros and Wimbledon crowns this year, regaining the No 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal.
He was also placed runner-up at the Australian Open and US Opens, and helped his country retain its World Group status in the Davis Cup. "It's an honour to be named world champion for a fifth time. It was an incredible year for me both on and off the court," said Federer, whose twins girls were born in August.
"To win my first Roland Garros title, break the all-time Grand Slam record and regain the No 1 ranking is amazing. It means a lot to me to finish again at the top."
Williams captured two more Grand Slam titles - the Australian Open and Wimbledon - to run her career total to 11. She went on to win the season-ending Championships and sealed the year-end top ranking on the WTA.
Williams and her sister Venus took Women's Doubles World Champions for the first time, with Serena becoming the first player since Martina Hingis in 1999 to receive singles and doubles honours. Bob and Mike Bryan became Men's Doubles World Champions for a record sixth time in the past seven years.
The group will receive their awards at the annual ITF World Champions Dinner on June 1 in Paris during Roland Garros. - Sapa-DPA
Serena and Federer named repeat world champs for 2009
LONDON - Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who both lifted two Grand Slam titles last season, were yesterday named as repeat World Champions for 2009 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). It was the fifth time that Switzerland's Federer had won the honour, while Williams also claimed the title in 2002.
LONDON - Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who both lifted two Grand Slam titles last season, were yesterday named as repeat World Champions for 2009 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). It was the fifth time that Switzerland's Federer had won the honour, while Williams also claimed the title in 2002.
Federer, holder of the all-time record 15 singles titles at the majors, won the Roland Garros and Wimbledon crowns this year, regaining the No 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal.
He was also placed runner-up at the Australian Open and US Opens, and helped his country retain its World Group status in the Davis Cup. "It's an honour to be named world champion for a fifth time. It was an incredible year for me both on and off the court," said Federer, whose twins girls were born in August.
"To win my first Roland Garros title, break the all-time Grand Slam record and regain the No 1 ranking is amazing. It means a lot to me to finish again at the top."
Williams captured two more Grand Slam titles - the Australian Open and Wimbledon - to run her career total to 11. She went on to win the season-ending Championships and sealed the year-end top ranking on the WTA.
Williams and her sister Venus took Women's Doubles World Champions for the first time, with Serena becoming the first player since Martina Hingis in 1999 to receive singles and doubles honours. Bob and Mike Bryan became Men's Doubles World Champions for a record sixth time in the past seven years.
The group will receive their awards at the annual ITF World Champions Dinner on June 1 in Paris during Roland Garros. - Sapa-DPA
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