Alcaraz, Sabalenka lead tennis sweep at Laureus Awards

Tennis took centre stage in Madrid on Monday as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

Both players were recognised for outstanding 2025 seasons that saw them finish as year-end world number ones in men’s and women’s tennis.

Alcaraz, 22, capped a dominant year by winning two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s leading figures.

Sabalenka, 27, matched his success with a stellar campaign that included a US Open title and runner-up finishes at both the Australian Open and French Open, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the year. 

With her win, she joins past Laureus Sportswoman recipients such as Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin and Naomi Osaka.

In a first for the awards, the ceremony was co-hosted by two athletes; former winners Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu. 

Last year’s top honours went to gymnast Simone Biles and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis.

Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy earned the World Comeback of the Year award after completing a career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters Tournament, ending an 11-year wait before successfully defending the title in 2026.

Formula One driver Lando Norris was named World Breakthrough of the Year, while Paris Saint-Germain claimed World Team of the Year following a trophy-laden 2025 season that included domestic and European success.

Among other winners, Gabriel Araujo was named Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, snowboarder Chloe Kim took the Action Sportsperson award and rising football star Lamine Yamal won Young Sportsperson of the Year.

The Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award went to Toni Kroos, while gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Sport for Good Award was presented to Futbol Mas.

The Laureus World Sports Awards, presented annually since 2000, are based on nominations from global media, with winners selected by the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

SH