Federer, Henin-Hardenne ITF champs
(AP)Updated: 2006-12-13 14:29
Roger Federer and Justine Henin-Hardenne were selected the International Tennis Federation's world champions on Monday.
 Switzerland's Roger Federer holds the trophy after winning his men's final match against Spain's Rafael Nadal at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London in this file photograph taken July 9, 2006. [AP] |
Federer became only the fourth player to win the men's award three straight years, joining Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras.
The 25-year-old Swiss star won three Grand Slam titles -- the Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open -- and lost in the French Open final to Rafael Nadal. He won 12 titles overall, compiled a 92-5 record and extended his huge lead at No. 1 in the rankings.
"It was a great year for me," Federer said.
Henin-Hardenne edged Amelie Mauresmo to win the women's award for the second time, adding to her success in 2003. The 24-year-old Belgian reached all four Grand Slam finals, winning the French Open. She won a tour-high six titles, including the season-ending WTA championships to finish as No. 1.
 Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium celebrates her victory over Amelie Mauresmo of France in the final of the WTA Championships tennis tournament in Madrid November 12, 2006. [Reuters] |
Bob and Mike Bryan are the ITF men's doubles world champions for a record fourth consecutive year after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon to complete a career Grand Slam.
Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur are the women's doubles world champions for the second year in a row. They won 10 events, including the French Open.
Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia were chosen junior world champions. De Bakker, 18, won six boys' titles, including Wimbledon. Pavlyuchenkova, 15, won six girls' titles, including the Australian and U.S. Opens.
The ITF wheelchair world champions are Robin Ammerlaan and Esther Vergeer of the Netherlands.
The awards will be presented at the ITF world champions dinner in Paris on June 5 during the French Open.
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