Novak Djokovic targeting 'Golden Slam'

Novak Djokovic insisted it was not impossible to win the 'Golden Slam' this season after being named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.

Djokovic was crowned at a glittering ceremony in London last night just a week after retaining his Australian Open title, his fourth major in five attempts.

Victory at the French Open would make him only the third man to hold all four grand slams at the same time but he is looking beyond that to become the first ever to win every major and the Olympics in a single year.

Steffi Graf secured the so-called 'Golden Slam' in the women's game in 1988 but remains the only person to do so.

"I think everything is possible," Djokovic said.

"I have to stay optimistic. I have to believe in what I do and believe in my abilities and that I can win on all surfaces.

"Obviously, Roland Garros is the one to win this year.

"All the grand slams and Olympic Games, they are my priorities."

Djokovic was speaking seven days after his record-breaking Australian Open final, which lasted almost six hours.

"It's been a week and I think physically I'm recovering," he said.

"At this age, there are no excuses. I have to recover."

He added of the final: "My impressions are the same. It's been the most exciting match of my life.

"We went the distance of six hours, made history."

That match actually did not contribute towards Djokovic's award win last night, which actually recognised his stellar 2011.

The Serbian world number one collected his latest gong at a ceremony which was attended by luminaries from the sporting world, such as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, former Ajax and Barcelona star Johan Cruyff, and five-time Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave.

Northern Irish golfer Darren Clarke was awarded the Comeback of the Year award for winning the Open Championship at the age of 42, and compatriot Rory McIlroy won the Breakthrough of the Year gong after lifting the US Open.

United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was given the Lifetime Achievement award and 'Blade Runner' athlete Oscar Pistorius won the Disability award after becoming the first amputee to win a track medal in a non-disabled World Championships - a silver in the 4x400metre relay.

Champions League winners Barcelona were named Team of the year, while Kenyan long-distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot took home the Sportswoman of the Year prize.

PA