In a spectacle of glory and sporting supremacy, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka dominated the 26th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards, held in Madrid, where they were crowned as the Man and Woman of the Year in global sports. In an event that brings together the elite of sports, both tennis players emerged victorious in a field filled with prestigious athletes, confirming their status as the biggest names in sports in 2025.
Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis prodigy, became the 13th male tennis player to receive this coveted award, joining legends such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. His season was nothing short of spectacular: he won two Grand Slams, including an epic triumph at the French Open, where he defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set duel, saving championship points and demonstrating extraordinary resilience. His victory at the US Open catapulted him to the top of the world rankings, where he remained unbeaten throughout the year. With eight ATP titles won in eleven finals, Alcaraz left behind names such as cyclist Tadej Pogacar, footballer Ousmane Dembélé, pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, and his direct rival Sinner.
Emotional upon receiving the award, Alcaraz stated: “Winning two Grand Slams and finishing the year as world number one is a dream I’ve had since I was a child. I don’t just think about the trophies, but also about the journey, the hard work, the tough moments, and the people who have been by my side. I want to thank my family and team, who have supported me through all the moments, good and bad. This award is also for them.”
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka has established herself as the dominant force in the WTA in 2025. Despite falling short in major finals such as the Australian Open, French Open, and WTA Finals, the Belarusian tennis player did not relent, adding three significant titles to her name, including the US Open, Miami Open, and Madrid Open. Her consistency in the most important stages of the circuit allowed her to reinforce her status as world number one in a season where she surpassed rivals such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Faith Kipyegon, footballer Aitana Bonmatí, swimmer Katie Ledecky, and sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden.
Sabalenka, upon accepting the award, confessed: “Winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year is something very special for me. It’s amazing to see my name alongside so many legends. Being recognized by the Laureus Academy means a lot because they know what it takes to get here. It’s not just about the victories, but everything that lies behind: the tough moments, the pressure, the daily teamwork. This award is an encouragement to keep improving and to stay true to myself.” The Belarusian thus joined iconic names such as Serena Williams (four-time winner), Naomi Osaka, Jennifer Capriati, and Justine Henin.
The next major event for these stars will be the Madrid Masters, where Sabalenka will attempt to defend her title, while Alcaraz and Djokovic will be absent. This ceremony not only celebrated the triumphs of the year but also highlighted the importance of perseverance, inspiration, and elevating the sport to unprecedented levels. Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are not just champions; they are true rising legends who are shaping the future of world tennis.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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