Federer, Henin-Hardenne world champions

LONDON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The International Tennis Federation designated Roger Federer of Switzerland as men's champion for the third straight year.

Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne was named women's champion for the second time. She was in the women's top spot in 2003.

Federer was in the final round in all four Grand Slam tournaments, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open and losing in the French Open to Rafael Nadal. Only Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras have previously been world champion three consecutive years.

Henin-Hardenne won six titles, more than anyone else on the women's tour this year, although she only won a single Grand Slam event, the French Open. Amelie Mauresmo, who defeated Henin-Hardenne in the finals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, was a close runner-up for the world championship.

The ITF world championship dinner is scheduled for Paris in June during the 2007 French Open.