Djokovic, Bolt, Messi Lead Laureus Nominations

Novak Djokovic, Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi are among the six nominations for the Laureus Awards in the category of Best Male Athlete of 2015, the foundation announced on Wednesday.

The 17th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards, which honor the prowess of the planet's best sportsmen and women, will be held on April 16 in Berlin.

Djokovic, who won three Grand Slam titles, Bolt, who won three gold medals at the world athletics championships, and Messi, who won the 2015 Ballon d'Or, are joined by Formula One's Lewis Hamilton, American basketballer Stephen Curry and golfer Jordan Spieth.

U.S. tennis star Serena Williams, who came close to winning all four Grand Slam titles, is among the six nominations for the women's trophy.

New Zealand's rugby team, the All Blacks, are in the running for the team award having successfully defended their crown at the 2015 Rugby World Cup hosted by England.