Five tennis players are shining in the nominations for the prestigious 2026 Laureus Sports Awards, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner standing out in the same category. The Laureus Awards, recognized as one of the most important in the sports world, annually celebrate the best performances, and this year is no exception, with tennis once again in the spotlight.
Stories of overcoming challenges and achievements mark this year’s edition, and sports fans are eager to see who will take home the coveted trophies. Alcaraz, the current world number one, and Sinner, both with two Grand Slam victories in 2025, are the frontrunners for the Athlete of the Year title. Alcaraz clinched the titles at Roland Garros and the US Open, amassing an impressive total of eight ATP titles, while Sinner celebrated victories at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, totaling six titles.
In an elite list, Alcaraz and Sinner compete against footballer Ousmane Dembélé, athlete Mondo Duplantis, motorcyclist Marc Márquez, and cyclist Tadej Pogacar, forming a lineup of high-caliber candidates. The competition promises to be fierce, but the talent and perseverance of these young tennis players make them favorites.
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka, who dominated the women’s scene in 2025, is a strong candidate for the Women’s Athlete of the Year award. The Belarusian maintained her position at the top of the rankings throughout the year and secured her fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open, in addition to four WTA titles. Sabalenka is competing with notable figures such as footballer Aitana Bonmatí and athletes Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Faith Kipyegon, along with swimmer Katie Ledecky.
Another standout name is Amanda Anisimova, who has been nominated for the Comeback of the Year award. The American had a remarkable season, reaching the finals of the US Open and Wimbledon, and winning two WTA 1000 titles. Anisimova, who climbed into the top 20 and achieved a new career-high ranking of number 4, is competing against cyclists such as Egan Bernal and Simon Yates, golfer Rory McIlroy, athlete Yulimar Rojas, and footballer Leah Williamson.
Lastly, young Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca, just 19 years old, is nominated for the Rookie of the Year award. After an impressive season, where he won his first two titles on the ATP Tour and climbed from 140th to 30th place, Fonseca has showcased his abilities in all four Grand Slam events. He joins other young talents such as footballer Desire Doue, basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, darts player Luke Littler, Formula 1 champion Lando Norris, and swimmer Yu Zidi.
With so much talent on display, the Laureus Awards promise to be an unforgettable celebration of sport, recognizing the achievements that have inspired millions around the world. The event in Madrid, scheduled for next month, is about to reveal who will stand out in this pantheon of sports stars.
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