Djokovic and Williams had a terrific year on the Tennis court The International Tennis Federation has named Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams as its world champions for 2012. The duo dominated the men\'s and women\'s game in the calendar year, with some superb displays. The ITF accolades are based on their performances in tournaments throughout 2012.
Djokovic, 25, was world number one after retaining the Australian Open title and reaching the finals of the French and US Open. 31-year old Williams made it 15 grand slam titles in the year, after victory at Wimbledon and the US Open. She also won singles gold at the London Olympics.
Djokivic told ITF: \"I am proud to have been named ITF World Champion for the second successive year. 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.\"
Williams said: \"It has been such an amazing experience this year to win the Olympics and two Grand Slam tournaments, and I look forward to having an awesome 2013.\"
The award was Djokovic\'s second successive ITF world champion crown as the Serbian held off the challenge from British number one Andy Murray, who claimed his first Grand Slam with victory over Djokovic at Flushing Meadows.
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: \"This has been another memorable year for our sport, highlighted by the most successful Olympic Tennis Event in history. 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.\"
The sport’s governing body also awarded US brothers Bob and Mike Bryan with the men’s doubles world champions accolade for the ninth time in 10 years, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy were the women’s doubles champions.