The 2025 Professional Tennis Season: An Unforgettable Year
The 2025 professional tennis season has come to an end, and without a doubt, it has been a year to remember. From the dominance of stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka, to the emergence of new talents and the return of emblematic figures, this season offered emotions for all tastes.
Alcaraz and Sinner set the pace on the ATP circuit, sharing the Grand Slam titles. However, on the WTA circuit, the competition was more fierce, with four different players winning the most important tournaments. In addition, both on the ATP and WTA circuits, there were surprising victories and exciting stories that made this season truly memorable.
But, who deserves the highest honors? We analyze the most outstanding awards of the 2025 season, with the opinion of experts and some special mentions to our favorites.
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 number two (Sinner) and number three (Alexander Zverev), the competition between them was fierce. Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros and the US Open, in addition to 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, culminating the season with the title at the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year.
“I don’t know how to choose one,” commented Chris Evert, unable to decide between the two.
Chris Evert
However, Querrey and Shriver, along with this media outlet, favored Alcaraz, who won six other titles, including three Masters 1000. Alcaraz also leads the head-to-head record against Sinner, defeating him in four of their six encounters in 2025.
Despite the minimal difference, Alcaraz’s consistency and his victories in major tournaments position him as the Player of the Year.
Regardless of who deserves this distinction, it is undeniable that Alcaraz and Sinner are the best players in the world and are expected to continue shining in 2026.
WTA Player of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka
Unlike the ATP circuit, the WTA saw greater diversity in terms of candidates for the award. Although the Grand Slams were won by four different players, and Elena Rybakina took the title at the WTA Finals, one tennis player stood out above the rest: Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka, who held the world number one ranking throughout the season, won the US Open, repeating as champion. In addition, she reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, and the semifinals of Wimbledon. She also won three other titles, including two at the 1000 level, and participated in a total of nine finals.
For Shriver, Sabalenka is the clear Player of the Year, and even her opponents recognized her talent.
“She is number one and is completely 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,” said Anisimova after the US Open final.
Amanda Anisimova
Revelation Moment: Madison Keys, Australian Open
Keys, a talented player who debuted as a 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 dream at the Australian Open.
Nearing her 30s, Keys had a spectacular run at the Australian Open, defeating five seeded players, including Swiatek and Sabalenka. After almost 16 years as a professional, Keys lifted her first Grand Slam trophy.
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. The match was full of emotions and incredible comebacks.
Sinner, who was returning after a suspension, won the first two sets. However, Alcaraz reacted and forced a fourth set, saving championship points. The last set was a constant exchange of spectacular points, until Alcaraz prevailed in the tiebreak, with a final score of 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2). This triumph consolidated the legend of the “Big Two” and the rivalry that will mark the future of tennis.
Most Improbable Victory: Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai
Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world and ninth alternate in the qualifying phase, needed a miracle to play the Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament. After several withdrawals, he managed to enter the qualifying phase and, surprisingly, advanced to the main draw.
Vacherot defeated several seeded players, including Bublik, Rune, and Djokovic. In the final, he defeated his cousin Rinderknech, and became the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title and the Masters champion with the lowest ranking in history.
After this victory, Vacherot moved up in the rankings and finished the season in 31st place.
Honorable Mention: Victoria Mboko, Canadian Open
Mboko, 18 years old and ranked 85th in the world, received a wildcard for the tournament and surprised everyone by defeating four Grand Slam champions, winning the 1000-level tournament in her country. This was her first WTA title, and her ranking rose to 24th place.
Townsend, known for her talent in singles and doubles, captivated the world with her game and attitude at the US Open. After a victory over Ostapenko, Townsend remained calm in the face of her rival’s comments.
Townsend continued her path, defeating Andreeva. Although she lost in the fourth round, she became a fan favorite.
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Vacation with Osaka.
Doubles Pairs 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, also at the top of the women’s rankings, won their second Grand Slam title together at the Australian Open.
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A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon)The description of the Instagram post is:
A post shared by Katerina Siniakova (@siniakovakaterina)Honorable Mention: Harrison/King
Harrison and King, without prior ATP titles, won three titles and reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros in their first year as a team.
Comeback Player of the Year: Belinda Bencic
Bencic returned to tennis in October 2024, six months after giving birth to her daughter. In 2025, she reached the fourth round of the Australian Open and won the Abu Dhabi Open. She also reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and won the Pan Pacific Open.
Most Improved Player: Amanda Anisimova
Anisimova had an exceptional year, competing for the most important awards. After taking a break for her mental health, she won the Qatar Open and reached the top 20. She reached the final of Wimbledon and the US Open, and won another 1000 title at the China Open, qualifying for the WTA Finals.
Honorable Mention: Learner Tien
Tien, with a ranking of 121, debuted in the main draw of the Australian Open, where he defeated Medvedev and advanced to the fourth round. Then he won the title at the Moselle Open and finished the year in 28th place.
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. Williams, at 45 years old, returned to competitive tennis, competing in tournaments and demonstrating her passion for the sport.
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A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)Williams, who accepted an invitation to the Auckland tournament, begins his 33rd season as a professional.
