Roger Federer named BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year for record fourth time

Tennis great returned from six months out injured to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon

Roger Federer has been named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (Getty)

Roger Federer has been voted the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year for a record fourth time.

The 36-year-old tennis great enjoyed a remarkable season, returning from six months out with knee trouble to win his first grand slam title since 2012 at the Australian Open.

He followed that up with a record eighth Wimbledon crown and ended the season with a 52-5 record and ranked world number two behind his great rival Rafael Nadal.

Federer previously won the award, which is voted for by the public, in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Muhammad Ali and Usain Bolt have each won it three times.

Federer said: "It makes me incredibly proud that the UK public have chosen me as the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year for 2017.

"The support that the UK crowds give me whenever I'm here is amazing, and to be recognised on the shortlist alongside some of the greatest sports people of all time is extremely humbling."

The Swiss overcame competition from American football quarterback Tom Brady, swimmer Katie Ledecky, para-athlete Tatyana McFadden, athlete Sally Pearson, and darts player Michael van Gerwen.

Federer and the other award winners will be honoured during Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

PA