H-H is the best in Belgium

The French Open winner finished the year as world number one after winning the WTA Tour Championship event in Madrid, and also competed in all four Grand Slam finals this year.

She beat European 100m and 200m sprint champion Kim Gevaert into second place, while European high jump winner Tia Hellebaut was third.

Henin-Hardenne was also a member of the Belgium Fed Cup team which was named team of the year, after they made it all the way to the final before being beating by Italy.

Meanwhile, Stefan Everts won the men's award for the fifth time, as he won 14 of the 15 MX1 grand prix this season on his way to a 10th world title.

He finished top in the voting ahead of cyclists Tom Boonen and Sven Nys.