World No.1 tennis star Novak Djokovic has been named Laureus's world sportsman of the year for the second time at a ceremony in Shanghai.

Not only does Novak Djokovic rule tennis, but the entire sporting world.

The Serbian superstar was - for a second time - named world sportsman of the year at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai on Wednesday night.

Djokovic was first bestowed the honour in 2011 following his first Wimbledon title, and has again collected the top gong after beating Roger Federer to his second last July.

He went on to supplant Rafael Nadal as world No.1, get married and become a father.

"It has probably been my best year so far in my life," an absent Djokovic said via video message.

The 27-year-old was voted ahead of beat MotoGP sensation Marc Marquez, world No.1 golfer Rory McIlroy, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, defending Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie.

"To be able to be selected from those big names is a truly great achievement that I'm very proud of," Djokovic said.

"I was very privileged to win it in 2011, and to win it again means the world to me."

Ethiopian athlete Genzebe Dibaba was named sportswoman of the year after breaking three world records in different events - the 1500m, 3000m and two-mile events - within two weeks last February.

The middle and long-distance runner is just the third person in history to achieve such a feat, along with Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt.

"I am so happy - 2014 was a great year for me ... I didn't expect this," the 24-year-old said.

Daniel Ricciardo took out the breakthrough of the year award for his stellar debut season with Red Bull Racing, becoming the first Australian since 2010 to win a Laureus.

The Perth-born driver was the only non-Mercedes driver to win a race in 2014, claiming three grands prix and five other podium finishes.

Germany's World Cup winning men's football squad was named team of the year, having routed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals before beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time for the country's fourth title and first in 24 years.

South African rugby player Schalk Burger scored comeback of the year for earning his place back in the Springboks after spending time in intensive care with life-threatening meningitis.

Winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a panel made up of 50 sporting greats including four Australians.

2015 LAUREUS WINNERS

WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - Tennis

WORLD SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Genzebe Dibaba (Ethiopia) - Athletics

WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR

Germany (men's) - Football

WORLD BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR

Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) - Formula One

WORLD COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

Schalk Burger (South Africa) - Rugby Union

WORLD SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY

Tatyana McFadden (US) - Wheelchair racing/cross-country skiing

WORLD ACTION SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Alan Eustance (US) - Skydiving