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Federer ends year with top men’s player award

World number one Roger Federer has been named men’s tennis player of the year for the fifth time in his career.

The International Tennis Federation on Tuesday named Federer and top ranked Serena Williams as world champions for 2009.

The Swiss completed a career Grand Slam this year by winning the French Open and captured a record 15th major title after triumphing at Wimbledon. He also regained the top ranking from Rafael Nadal.

Serena and Venus Williams were selected as women’s doubles world champions. Serena was the first player since Switzerland’s Martina Hingis in 1999 to receive both singles and doubles honours.

The awards will be handed out in a ceremony on June 1 at the French Open tournament.

Federer said it was honour to pick up the award again. “It was an incredible year for me both on and off the court. To win my first Roland Garros title, break the all-time Grand Slam record and regain the number one ranking is amazing. It means a lot to me to finish the year again at the top.”

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