Roger Federer added two more Laureus statuettes to his collection at the 2018 Awards ©Getty Images

Roger Federer has become the most decorated Laureus winner in history after claiming his fifth and sixth statuettes at the 2018 Awards Ceremony in Monaco.

Federer fought off opposition from candidates such as fellow tennis player Rafael Nadal and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Sportsman of the Year category.

The 36-year-old Swiss, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon last year, also received the Comeback of the Year Award, in recognition of his achievements in overcoming a serious knee injury.

Speaking after receiving his Awards, Federer said: "This is a very special moment for me.

"Everyone knows how highly I value my Laureus Awards, so to win another would have been wonderful, but to win two is a truly unique honour.

"And so unexpected.

"I am delighted and I would like to thank the Laureus Academy for all their support.

"It was an unforgettable year for me, to come back after a very difficult 2016, and these awards just make it even more memorable.

"When I won my first Laureus Award back in 2005, if you had said I would have ended up winning six I would not have believed you.

"It's been an amazing ride."

Serena Williams, pictured during her comeback match in the Fed Cup last month, has received a fifth Laureus Award at the 2018 ceremony in Monaco, for Sportswoman of the Year ©Getty Images
Serena Williams, pictured during her comeback match in the Fed Cup last month, has received a fifth Laureus Award at the 2018 ceremony in Monaco, for Sportswoman of the Year ©Getty Images

Voted for by the legends of sport in the Laureus World Sports Academy, the awards recognised sporting achievement in the 2017 calendar year.

The Sportswoman of the Year award went to Federer's fellow tennis player Serena Williams following her Australian Open success, the American's 23rd Grand Slam title.

Williams, who also gave birth to her first child in 2017, is now the most decorated female Laureus Award winner with five statuettes.

Golfer Sergio Garcia won his second Laureus Award, 18 years after winning the newcomer accolade at the 2000 Awards.

The Spaniard received the Breakthrough of the Year Award for winning the 2017 Masters, his first ever Major Championship win on his 74th attempt.

Mercedes AMG Petronas beat the likes of Real Madrid and the Golden State Warriors to win the Team of the Year Award, after continuing their dominance in Formula One by securing their fourth successive Constructors' World Championship.

French Vendée Globe winning sailor Armel Le Cléac'h received the Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, while Swiss triple world champion wheelchair racer Marcel Hug won the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, for his 800 metres, 1,500m and 5,000m titles in the T54 class at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London.