Prestigious award for their achievements in sport: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka crowned World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at Laureus awards

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka stole the show at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards. In one of the biggest sporting award shows, the pair both won the World Sportsman of the Year and World Sportswoman of the Year respectively, coming out on top in a stacked field of sporting prestige.

This was 26th annual Laureus World Sports Awards, taking place in Madrid. Alcaraz became the 13th male tennis player to lift this award, while Sabalenka became the eighth in a special night in the Spanish capital.

There was more tennis involvement throughout. Jannik Sinner competed alongside Alcaraz for the main award in while Novak Djokovic was on hosting duties alongside skier Eileen Gu.

Alcaraz would continue to make strides in 2025. He won two Grand Slam titles, one of which being the French Open where he edged Sinner in five sets while overcoming championship points from his opponent. He would also win the US Open, sending him back to world number one for the rest of the year.

His battle with Sinner was marvelled by sports and tennis fans alike. They met in six finals with Alcaraz taking home the glory on four separate occasions. He won eight ATP titles from 11 final appearances, capping off a hugely noticeable year which has seen him crowned as World Sportsman of the Year. This was ahead of the likes of cyclist Tadej Pogacar, footballer Ousmane Dembele, pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, motorcyclist Marc Marquez, and his arch-rival Sinner. He adds his name alongside the likes of Roger Federer (a five-time winner), Novak Djokovic (five times) and Rafael Nadal (twice).

“Winning two Grand Slams and finishing the year as the world No 1 is something I dreamt about since I was a little kid,” Alcaraz said while accepting the award. “When I look back, I do not only think about the trophies and the results but also the journey, the work, the difficult moments, the people who stayed by my side and everything I learned.

“I want to thank my family and team. I’m lucky to have them here from the bottom of my heart. They are with me through the good moments and especially the tough ones. They help me to grow as a player and as a person. This award belongs to them too.”

Another deserved winner, Sabalenka was the dominant force on the WTA Tour in 2025. She reached a whole host of big finals, but was unable to get over the line in all of them. She lost the Australian Open, French Open and WTA Finals final.

However, she still managed to collect three titles from nine finals, including the US Open title, Miami Open and Madrid Open. She was a regular name deep in the biggest tournaments on offer, seeing her extend her lead as world number one. If the Belarusian continues in the rich vein of form she has been, no one will be touching her on the WTA Tour for some time.

She claimed the award, beating out track talents Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Faith Kipyegon, footballer Aitana Bonmati, swimmer Katie Ledecky and sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Sabalenka is the latest tennis player to clinch this award, putting her name in the same category as Serena Williams (four times), Naomi Osaka (once), Jennifer Capriati (once), and Justine Henin (once).

“Winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award is really special for me,” Sabalenka said. “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.

“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.”

The players will not have to travel too far for the next tournament, the Madrid Open. Alcaraz and Djokovic will not be in action, but Sabalenka will be as she looks to defend her title.