Video: Roger Federer thanks rival Rafael Nadal after becoming most decorated Laureus award winner

There is one thing that we get assured of every day as we see Roger Federer conquering new and difficult summits being all of 36 years -- he is like that old wine which gets better with time.

His magnificent 2017 was nothing short of a stellar run which saw him clinching the Australian Open and the Wimbledon and taking his Grand Slam tally to an enviable 19. So, when the eve of 27th February decked up to host the most prestigious award ceremony in the domain of sports, the Laureus World Sports Awards, there was no surprise that Federer would cement his position as the real Numero Uno by getting crowned with twin honours.

He won the award for being the Best Sportsman Of The Year (2017) and the Best Comeback Of The Year (2017) and this became the most decorated player having collected some six Laureus Awards in its 18 years of existence.

Federer felt incredibly honoured to receive the award from the Laureus Academy which aims to use the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage, and prove that sport has the power to change the world.

After winning the twin accolades, the Swiss Maestro, who was overwhelmed and slightly teary-eyed, with the burst of emotion thanked his arch-nemesis, Rafael Nadal.

“Thank you to my rival Rafa,” Federer said. “I wanted to give a shoutout to him. He had an unbelievable year himself. We had a great battle and it’s because of a guy like him, I think I’m a better player. He could very well be here tonight standing here with this award because he’s an incredible player, incredible friend and incredible athlete,” he added.

He then went on to thank his coaches and his family for making his dreams come true.

Hope we all enjoy a Federer-Nadal type rivalry in our lives. It will only make us better.https://t.co/rt2yirVvSn

— Ujwal Kr Singh (@UjwalKS) February 28, 2018

The camaraderie between the two players is incredibly famous and Federer has always accredited Nadal for helping him improve his game and reach the pinnacle of success he has today.

As long as Federer wields the tennis racquet in his most deserving hands it can be said without much doubt that he will remain the greatest player of all time and continue to be crowned with several other prestigious awards.