Alcaraz and Sabalenka Tennis Kings 2025: The Best of the Year

The 2025 Professional Tennis Season: An Unforgettable Year

The 2025 professional tennis season has come to an end, and it has undoubtedly been a year full of emotions and memorable moments. From the dominance of stellar figures like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka, to the emergence of new talents and the return of legends, this season has offered something for all fans. Alcaraz and Sinner set the pace on the ATP circuit, splitting the four Grand Slam titles. Meanwhile, in the WTA, the competition was more fierce, with four different players taking the titles of the most important tournaments. Throughout the year, both in the ATP and WTA, there were surprises and captivating stories that made this season an unforgettable experience. Alofoke Deportes presents a summary of the most outstanding players and moments of the year, awarding recognitions to those who left an indelible mark on the season.

ATP Player of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz

The 2025 season on the ATP circuit was marked by the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. Although both players stood out from the rest, with a considerable point difference between Sinner and the third-ranked player, Alexander Zverev, the competition between them was intense. Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros and the US Open, finishing the year as world number one for the second time in his career. For his part, Sinner prevailed at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, in addition to winning the title at the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year.

I don’t know how one could choose one.

Chris Evert

Although the difference between both was minimal, Chris Evert declared a tie. However, Sam Querrey, Pam Shriver, and this media favored Alcaraz, who won six additional titles, including three Masters 1000. Alcaraz, who also leads the head-to-head record, defeated Sinner in four of their six encounters in 2025.

Regardless of who deserves the recognition, the truth is that Alcaraz and Sinner are the best players in the world and are expected to continue shining in 2026. Even his elite colleagues seem to have accepted it.

They have played at an incredibly high level for a prolonged period of time. We are just going to keep improving and waiting for our opportunity.

Alex de Minaur

WTA Player of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka

Unlike the ATP circuit, there was a greater diversity of winners in the WTA, although one player stood out above the rest. Aryna Sabalenka, world number one, was the unanimous choice for this award. Sabalenka conquered the US Open, repeating as champion, and reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, as well as the semifinals of Wimbledon. She also won three other titles, including two at the 1000 level, and played a total of nine finals. For Shriver, for all these reasons, “she is clearly the player of the year”.

Obviously, she is number 1 and is totally capable of playing incredible tennis, as she did today. I give her all the credit for that. I admire her enormously; she works hard, and that’s why she’s here.

Amanda Anisimova

Revelation Moment: Madison Keys, Australian Open

Madison Keys, a talented player who turned professional at 14, seemed destined to win a Grand Slam title. After reaching her first semifinal in 2015 and being runner-up at the 2017 US Open, she finally achieved her goal this year. Keys, nearing 30, had an outstanding performance at the Australian Open, defeating five seeded players, including Swiatek and Sabalenka. Keys conquered her first Grand Slam trophy after almost 16 years as a professional.

Match of the Year: Alcaraz vs. Sinner, Roland Garros Final

The first Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner lasted five hours and 29 minutes, becoming the longest final in Roland Garros history and the second longest in a Grand Slam tournament. Sinner, who was playing his second tournament after serving a suspension, won the first two sets. However, Alcaraz reacted, forcing a fourth set and saving championship points to finally win in a tiebreak in the final set. This match consolidated the rivalry between both players.

Most Improbable Victory: Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai

Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world and ninth alternate for the qualifying phase, achieved the unthinkable at the Shanghai Masters 1000. After a series of withdrawals, Vacherot entered the qualifying phase and, after overcoming several obstacles, reached the main draw. Vacherot defeated a series of seeded players, including Bublik, Rune, and Djokovic, before facing his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final. Vacherot won the title and became the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title, as well as the Masters champion with the lowest ranking in history. This victory allowed him to climb the rankings, finishing the season in 31st place and becoming a beloved figure in the world of tennis.

Honorable Mention: Victoria Mboko, Canadian Open

The 18-year-old Canadian, ranked 85th in the world, surprised everyone by defeating four Grand Slam champions to win the 1000-level tournament in her country. This was her first WTA title, and her ranking rose to 24th.

Star Performance of the Year: Taylor Townsend, US Open

Taylor Townsend, known for her talent and personality, shone at the US Open. Townsend, who reached number 1 in doubles, had a victory over Jelena Ostapenko in the second round, which generated a heated exchange. Townsend remained calm and then defeated Mirra Andreeva in a highly anticipated match. Although she later lost in the fourth round, Townsend established herself as a fan favorite.

WTA Doubles Team of the Year: Glasspool/Cash and Siniakova/Townsend

Glasspool and Cash, the two best doubles players in the world, reached 11 finals in 2025, winning seven titles, including Wimbledon. Siniakova and Townsend continued their successful partnership, winning their second Grand Slam title together at the Australian Open. Honorable Mention: Christian Harrison and Evan King.

Comeback Player of the Year: Belinda Bencic

Belinda Bencic returned to competitive tennis in October 2024, six months after giving birth to her daughter Bella. Bencic reached the fourth round of the Australian Open and won the title at the Abu Dhabi Open. She finished the season with a semi-final at Wimbledon and another title at the Japan Open. She started the year in 489th place and finished it in 11th place.

Most Improved Player: Amanda Anisimova

Anisimova, after a break for mental health, had a spectacular year. She won the title at the Qatar Open and reached the top 20. Then, she reached the final at Wimbledon and the US Open, and won another level 1000 title at the China Open. She finished the year ranked number 4 in the world. Honorable Mention: Learner Tien.

Most Challenging Players at Age: Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams

Djokovic, at 38 years old, remains one of the best players in the world, reaching the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams. Although he couldn’t beat Alcaraz and Sinner, he won two titles and has accumulated 101 in his career. Venus Williams, at 45 years old, returned to competitive tennis, demonstrating her passion for the sport. Williams won a match at tour level for the first time since 2004 and competed in the US Open. Williams has accepted an invitation to play in Auckland in January, marking her 33rd year as a professional tennis player.