BARCELONA, May 22 - Roger Federer reasserted his status on top of the sporting world on Monday by again winning the Sportsman of the Year title at the Laureus World Sports awards on a big night for tennis.

	Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (L) and his girlfriend Miroslava Vavrinec arrive at the Laureus World Awards ceremony in Barcelona May 22, 2006. [Reuters]

Croatian skier Janica Kostelic took the women's prize after an unprecedented fourth Winter Olympic gold, while Federer's compatriot Martina Hingis won the Comeback of the Year award, a day after her first singles title success in over four years.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal, Federer's great rival, was named Newcomer of the Year after 12 months in which the 19-year-old was crowned French Open champion and became unbeatable on clay.

"He totally deserves it. He's almost at the level where he could win the (top) Laureus award, but I think Newcomer is the right award for him," Federer said.

"Him winning the Newcomer and me winning the big one, that's a great sign for tennis."

Formula One constructors Renault won the team award, offering some consolation to losing nominee Fernando Alonso, who became the sport's youngest-ever champion.

Along with Alonso, Federer beat off competition from seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Brazil's Ronaldinho, two-time winner Tiger Woods, and Italian motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi, who picked up a Spirit of Sport award after three fruitless years as a contender.

Federer, who goes to the French Open on Sunday aiming to become the first man since 1969 to hold all four grand slams, also won the Laureus award in Estoril 12 months ago -- when he was the Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion.

With the Australian Open title also now in his possession, the powerful frame of Nadal is likely to be his greatest obstacle to glory at Roland Garros.

"Last year was an unforgettable year. I never believed I would have the season I did," Nadal told an audience including Spanish King Juan Carlos, actor Morgan Freeman and sporting greats such as Edwin Moses and Boris Becker.

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