Novak Djokovic takes home Laureus prize in Shanghai

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has won the sportsman of the year prize at the Laureus Sports Awards, while Germany's World Cup-winning squad took the best team award.

Djokovic beat off the challenge of Rory McIlroy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis Hamilton, World MotoGP champion Marc Márquez and pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie to take home the gong in Shanghai.

The Serbian defeated Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final to win his seventh Grand Slam title last July and overtake Rafael Nadal as world No 1.                  

"In general, it probably has been my best year so far in my life," Djokovic, who also won in 2012, said in a video message.                  

The Germans routed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals of the World Cup before Mario Goetze scored the winner in extra time to beat Argentina 1-0 in the final.

"It's incredible how this fourth star was such a symbol for our fans in Germany. Everyone was dreaming about this fourth star," said Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff, who accepted the award.

Ethiopian runner Genzebe Dibaba won sportswoman of the year award for breaking three world records in different events in the space of two weeks.

She set new indoor records in the 1,500 metres, 3,000 metres and two-mile events last February.

South African rugby star Schalk Burger got the Comeback of the Year award after recovering from life-threatening meningitis.

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo got the Breakthrough of the Year award after winning three Grand Prix in his first Formula One season.