Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, who finished 2025 as the World No. 1 players in men’s and women’s tennis, were among the winners at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid earlier this week.
The ceremony, held at the Palacio de Cibeles, also featured a historic moment for tennis, with Novak Djokovic co-hosting the Laureus World Sports Awards alongside Eileen Gu. Djokovic is a record-equalling five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, an Olympic Gold Medallist and has won a record 24 men’s Grand Slam singles titles.
Source: The Laureus World Sports Awards
Alcaraz was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year following a landmark season in which he regained the World No. 1 ranking after winning two Grand Slam singles titles at the French Open and US Open, along with reaching another final at Wimbledon.
At 22, Alcaraz becomes the youngest winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. He previously won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2023 and now joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as tennis players to receive this honor.
Source: The Laureus World Sports Awards
Sabalenka received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award after holding the World No. 1 ranking for the entire 2025 season. She defended her US Open title and reached finals at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, where she ended Iga Świątek’s 26-match winning streak in the semifinals.
She also captured WTA 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid during the season.
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Aryna Sabalenka, said: “Winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award is really special for me. Honestly, it’s a bit crazy to hear my name next to so many legends. To be recognised by the Laureus Academy means a lot, because they truly understand what it takes to get here.
Source: The Laureus World Sports Awards
“For me, it’s not just about the wins – it’s about everything behind it. The hard moments, the pressure, the team, the work every single day. That’s why this award feels different. When I look at the list of past winners like Serena Williams, Lindsey Vonn, Simone Biles, it’s really inspiring. Some of them I watched growing up, some I’ve competed against, and all of them pushed the sport forward in their own way. If I can inspire even a few people the same way, that would mean everything to me. This award is a reminder to keep going, keep improving, and stay true to myself.”
Novak Djokovic said: “The Laureus World Sports Awards hold a special place in my heart. They celebrate not just excellence in sport, but the power of sport to make a difference. I have been honoured with five Laureus statuettes over the years. It is always a unique opportunity to mix with athletes from other sports – and meet the sporting heroes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. Last year, I was privileged to present Mondo Duplantis with his Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award – and this time I am delighted to be hosting the show with Eileen, a remarkable athlete who also understands the purpose and mission of Laureus.”
The Laureus World Sports Awards were held in Madrid, which also hosted the Mutua Madrid Open, placing tennis at the center of the global sports calendar during the event.
The full list of Winners is:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aryna Sabalenka
Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Paris Saint-Germain
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lando Norris
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Rory McIlroy
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Gabriel Araújo
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Chloe Kim
Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal
Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comăneci
Laureus Sport for Good Award: Fútbol Más
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Source: The Laureus World Sports Awards
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