The 26-year-old Scot ended one of the longest droughts in British sport by beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets in July.

Murray was presented with the BBC award on Sunday in Florida by 18-time grand slam singles champion Martina Navratilova as training commitments prevented him from traveling to the ceremony in the English city of Leeds.

Sometimes derided for an apparently dour personality, Murray made light of his personality after collecting the trophy.

"I know I'm sometimes not the easiest person to support but I've had a lot of pressure on me for a long time and I'm just glad I finally managed to break through," Murray said. "No matter how excited I try to sound my voice still sounds incredibly boring. But I'm actually incredibly excited right now. That's just my voice. I'm sorry."

Murray received 401,470 votes ahead of British and Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny on 65,913 and horse racing great Tony McCoy on 57,854.

To mark the show's 60th year, a special diamond achievement award was presented to Alex Ferguson, who retired as Manchester United manager in May after more than 26 years in charge of the club.

Sebastian Vettel succeeded Usain Bolt as the overseas award winner after claiming his fourth consecutive Formula One title.

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