Federer, Nadal dominate sporting awards in Switzerland, Spain

Roger Federer has been voted Switzerland's Sportsperson of the Year, winning the award for the seventh time and bringing down the house with his speech.

Federer, who is training in Dubai, appeared via video at the ceremony, which was attended by his parents. The 19-time Grand Slam champion returned from an injury layoff and won two majors this season.

Federer began by congratulating the other nominated athletes for their achievements, saying, "They have done incredible things." He then thanked his team and his family, and shared a story about the way his kids had reacted.

"This evening, when I was putting my kids to bed, they asked, 'Where are you going?'" said Federer. "I told them I was going to the sports honors gala. I explained what it was about and said I had a chance [to win]. They said, 'But daddy, Rafa is No. 1?'"

"I told them it was just in Switzerland," Federer added as the crowd laughed. "It was very funny."

Federer also congratulated his coach for being voted Switzerland's Coach of the Year.

Nadal, meanwhile, didn't just get voted the top athlete in Spain this season—he was named the best Spanish athlete of a half-century by Spanish newspaper AS in a special edition of its annual sporting awards.

The 31-year-old won a record 10th French Open among his two majors this season, and is No. 1 in the rankings.

Nadal appeared at the Madrid ceremony and was presented the award by the King and Queen of Spain, then posing for photos alongside other Spanish athletes. "Sport is like a big family," he said. "I'm very about this award. I think there are many others at the same level as me to receive it, but thanks for giving it to me."

Nadal is now doing his offseason training at his academy in Mallorca.