Li Na's contribution to the promotion of tennis in China was recognised with an Exceptional Achievement honour at the Laureus World Sports Awards held in Shanghai on Wednesday night. "It's recognition from the premier world sports awards. For me, it was fortunate to choose tennis," said Li, now retired. She won the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open title last year. It's recognition from the premier world sports awards. For me, it was fortunate to choose tennis China tennis great Li Na Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic won the Sportsman of the Year award while Germany's World Cup-winning national soccer squad took out the best team award. Djokovic defeated Roger Federer to win his seventh grand slam title at Wimbledon last July and supplant Rafael Nadal as No 1 in the world. Germany routed host Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals of the World Cup before beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the team's fourth title and first in 24 years. Ethiopian runner Genzebe Dibaba won Sportswoman of the Year for breaking three world records in a span of two weeks. She set new indoor records in the 1,500 metres, 3,000 metres and two-mile events last February. The Comeback of the Year award went to South African rugby loose forward Schalk Burger and the Breakthrough of the Year award to Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia. A Spirit of Sport award was given to China's former basketball star Yao Ming. Xinhua, Associated Press
