Tennis: Federer, Myskina win ITF awards

Roger Federer and Anastasia Myskina have been named as the International Tennis Federation's world champions for 2004. Federer was an automatic choice for the award given that he won three of the four Grand Slams during a year which saw him finish as world number one. The Swiss star becomes only the fifth player ever to win both the junior and senior world champion awards, having taken the junior honour in 1998.

The women's gong was more closely fought for with French Open champion Myskina edging out Amelie Mauresmo. As well as becoming the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam title, Myskina also lifted the Fed Cup as part of her country's triumphant squad later in the year.

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "Roger Federer was the clear choice for ITF world champion based on his extraordinary performance in 2004.

"The selection of Anastasia Myskina came down to her performance at the Olympic Games where she reached the semi-finals and her seven singles wins in Fed Cup in 2004. We are proud to have both players as our 2004 ITF world champions."

Twins Bob and Mike Bryan - keeping a crown they won in 2003 - and Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez were chosen as doubles world champions. It was the third consecutive year that Ruano Pascual and Suarez had been named world champions. They won three Grand Slam ttles in 2004.

The junior awards went to Frenchman Gael Monfils and Dutch star Michaella Krajicek, sister of former Wimbledon champion, Richard.

The winners will receive their awards for the ITF's annual champions' dinner which will be held during the French Open in May.

Sportinglife