Halep, Kerber, Osaka among Laureus nominees
Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka were named among the best female athletes across all sports on Thursday.
The group of WTA stars were nominated in a pair of categories in the Laureus World Sports Awards.
The trio of Grand Slam champions were honored with inclusion alongside other dominant athletes in their sports, as Halep and Kerber earned nomination in the World Sportswoman of the Year category alongside gymnast Simone Biles, skiier and snowboarder Ester Ledecka, triathlete Daniela Ryf and skiier Mikaela Shiffrin.
Osaka tops a list of World Breakthrough of the Year nominees that includes motorcyclist Ana Carrasco, skier Sofia Goggia, middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen, cyclist Geraint Thomas, and sprinter Briana Williiams.
So honoured to be nominated with these amazing athletes! Thanks @LaureusSport
PS Hiii @nadiacomaneci10 😀#Laureus19 https://t.co/m17FkdIT0L— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) January 17, 2019
Serena Williams is a four-time winner and five-time nominee for the World Sportswoman of the Year award, having won it last year and in two of the past three years.
Jennifer Capriati and Justine Henin were also been female tennis players to be honored in that category, and former World No.1 Amelie Mauresmo was the winner of the World Breakthrough of the Year in 2007.
Presented annually since 2000, the Laureus World Sports Awards made annually in eight categories: World Sportsman of the Year, World Sportswoman of the Year, World Team of the Year, World Comeback of the Year, World Breakthrough of the Year, Action Sportsperson of the Year World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability and Best Sporting Moment of the Year.
This year's winners will be announced in the annual gala on Feb. 18, in Monte Carlo, Monaco.