Roger Federer (left) won his fifth Australian Open last year after an epic five-setter against Rafael Nadal. (Photo: Reuters)

Roger Federer entered another record book as he became the most decorated Laureus Awards winner after winning both the Sportsman of the Year and Comeback of the Year in Monaco.

Federer had an incredible 2017 where he came back from a six-month injury layoff in 2016 and won the Australian Open after an epic five-setter against Rafael Nadal. He went on to win the Indian Wells, Miami Open, Halle Open, his eighth Wimbledon title and Shanghai Masters last year. He began 2018 with his Australian Open title defence before becoming the oldest world No.1 at Rotterdam Open.

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Despite Nadal having his own incredible comeback last year, where he ended the year as the world No.1, injuries have marred the beginning of this year for him. Federer received his award and gave a "shoutout" to Nadal and thanked him for making the Swiss a better player.

"I just want to give a shoutout to him (Rafael Nadal). He had an unbelievale year himself. We had a great battle and it's because of him, a guy like him I feel I have become a better player as well. He could very well be here as well tonight standing here with this award. He's an incredible player, incredible friend, incredible athlete. So just like to give a shoutout to him," Federer said after receiving the award.

Federer and Nadal have been on-court rivals for a decade now but the off-court friendship is as famous as their tennis battles. In the inaugural Laver Cup last year, Nadal and Federer also teamed up to play a men's doubles match for Team Europe and won the match.

Federer won his fifth and sixth Laureus statuettes to become the most decorated winner in the awards' history.

"I'd like to thank all my coaches for giving me the chance to be here tonight, from the junior days to all the way tonight. It's an absolute privilege to take this award from the Laureus Academy.

"I still feel I got injected with a lot of young injury through my injury actually and my four kids, who I love so much and can't thank enough for making life on tours so fun really. My wife, my parents, they are amazing."

Another tennis player, Serena Williams of the US, won the Sportswoman of the Year Award following her 23rd Grand Slam title at Australian Open 2017.

With five Laureus statuettes in hand, Williams, is now the most decorated female Laureus Awards winner.

Italian football legend Francesco Totti received the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award for his 22-year contribution to Roma.

He also joined Wales manager Ryan Giggs as the newest members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.