Federer receives Swiss Athlete of the Year award

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot during his men’s singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day eight of the ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 12, 2012 in London, England.

Berne, Dec 18 – Roger Federer has received the Swiss Athlete of the Year award for the fifth time, it was announced on his website.

Federer, 31, also clinched the award in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007.

“There is nothing more wonderful than receiving standing ovations in Switzerland,” Federer said at the ceremony Monday.

“I do hope I can continue to spark emotions.”

In 2012, Federer won his 17th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and conquered new heights in breaking Pete Sampras‘ record of 286 weeks as World No.1, stopping at 302.

Switzerland’s Olympic triathlon champion Nicola Spirig was named the female Athlete of the Year.