Hundreds of thousands of sports fans worldwide voted for the 27th edition of the awards, conducted in conjunction with USA Today and NBC Sport.

Djokovic had a sensational year, going 43 matches without defeat until a loss to Roger Federer at the French Open semi-final in June.

The French Open was the only Grand Slam he did not win during 2011, claiming the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open to cap a remarkable year in which he won 10 titles in total, setting a record for the most prize money won in a single season on the ATP Tour of $10.6 million (£6.7 million/€8.1 million).

Golfer Tseng became the youngest ever to win five major championships at the tender age of 22 when she won the British Open at Carnoustie, Scotland in July.

Tseng (pictured) also finished 2011 as the number one for scoring average, driving distance, birdies and rounds under par as she won the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Player of the Year award for the second year in a row.

In total the Taiwanese claimed seven LPGA titles, including two majors to cap a memorable year.

The American League's Most Valuable Player, baseball player Justin Verlander, came second in the men's awards, with the Philippino boxer Manny Pacquiao in third.

Among the women, the Japanese figure skater Miki Ando, who won the World Championship, claimed second place, with third going to the Belgian tennis ace Kim Clijsters.

Last year's winners were Spain and Barcelona footballer David Villa and South Korean figure skater Yuna Kim.

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