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Tennis took center stage on the red carpet in Madrid on Monday as Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were honored as the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards.
The duo received accolades following their impressive campaigns in 2025, where they finished at the top of the women's and men's tennis rankings, respectively.
Spanish player Alcaraz, 22, reclaimed the year-end world number one position after winning two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and the US Open, showcasing his dominance across various surfaces.
On the other hand, Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, celebrated alongside him in New York and also reached the finals in Australia and France, concluding a season filled with remarkable consistency.
With her victory, Sabalenka joins a prestigious list of Laureus Sportswoman of the Year winners from tennis, including legends like Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, and Naomi Osaka. In a first for the awards, the ceremony was hosted by two former Laureus winners, Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu. Last year’s top honors were awarded to gymnast Simone Biles and pole-vaulter Mondo Duplantis.
Rory McIlroy Wins Comeback Prize
In other news, Rory McIlroy received the World Comeback of the Year Award after a long 11-year wait to achieve the career Grand Slam, culminating in a playoff victory at the 2025 Masters, a title he successfully defended in 2026.
Additionally, Formula One driver Lando Norris was recognized as the World Breakthrough of the Year, while Paris St Germain was named World Team of the Year after a successful 2025 season that included winning the French league, French Cup, and their first Champions League title.
The nominees for the Laureus World Sports Awards are chosen by the global media, with winners determined by the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy. The awards have been held annually since 2000.
Winners
World Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz
World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aryna Sabalenka
World Team of the Year Award: Paris St Germain
World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lando Norris
World Comeback of the Year Award: Rory McIlroy
World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Gabriel Araujo
World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Chloe Kim
World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal
Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comaneci
Laureus Sport for Good Award: Futbol Mas
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