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Federer, Henin-Hardenne chosen
ITF world champions
December 11, 2006
LONDON (AP) -- Roger Federer and Justine Henin-Hardenne were selected
the International Tennis Federation's world champions on Monday.
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.
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.
