The 2025 Tennis Season: An Unforgettable Year
The 2025 professional tennis season has come to an end, and without a doubt, it has been a memorable year. From the dominance of figures like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka, to the emergence of new talents like Amanda Anisimova and Ben Shelton, and the return of Naomi Osaka to the top, the season had something for every fan. Alcaraz and Sinner dominated the men’s scene, splitting the four Grand Slam titles. In the women’s circuit, the competition was more fierce, with Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka taking the titles of the most important tournaments. In addition, both in the ATP and WTA, there were unexpected victories and captivating stories that made this season a unique experience. Here’s an analysis of the most outstanding awards of the 2025 season.ATP Player of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz
The 2025 season in the ATP was marked by the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. While both stood out from the rest, the difference between them was minimal. Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros and the US Open, and finished the year as number 1 in the world for the second time in his career. Sinner, for his part, triumphed at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and took the title of the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year. The vote was so close that it was considered a tie. However, a slight advantage was given to Alcaraz, who won six other titles, including three Masters 1000 events. In addition, Alcaraz leads the head-to-head record against Sinner, having defeated him in four of their six encounters in 2025.Even his elite colleagues seem to have accepted it.“No matter who deserves this distinction, one thing is for sure: they are the best players in the world and will continue their brilliance in 2026.”
Alofoke Deportes
“They have played at an incredibly high level for a prolonged period of time. We’re just going to keep improving and waiting for our opportunity. At least I hope they don’t show up every day of the year, right?”
Alex de Minaur
WTA Player of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka
Unlike the ATP, in the WTA there were several candidates for the title. Although the Grand Slams were won by four different players, and Elena Rybakina closed the year with the title at the WTA Finals, Sabalenka stood out above the rest, being the unanimous choice for this award. Sabalenka, world number 1 throughout the season, won the US Open, repeating as champion, and also reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, and the semifinals of Wimbledon. In addition, she won three other titles, including two at the 1000 level, and participated in a total of nine finals.“She is clearly the player of the year”.
Alofoke Deportes
“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
With prodigious talent from a young age, Keys 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 managed to win the Australian Open, defeating five seeded players, including Swiatek and Sabalenka.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. Sinner, who was playing his second tournament after a suspension, won the first two sets, but Alcaraz reacted and forced a fifth set. Alcaraz won in the tiebreak, with a final score of 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2). This match consolidated the legend of the “Big Two” and the rivalry that promises to mark tennis in the coming years.Most Improbable Victory: Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai
Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, arrived at the Masters 1000 event as the ninth alternate. After a series of withdrawals, he managed to enter the qualifying phase and then the main draw. He defeated several seeded players, including Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and Novak Djokovic, and in the final he beat his cousin Arthur Rinderknech, to become 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 to participate and surprised by defeating four Grand Slam champions, winning the 1000-level tournament in her country. This marked her first WTA title and propelled her to the 24th position in the ranking.Star Performance of the Year: Taylor Townsend, US Open
Townsend, known for her talent in singles and doubles, as well as her personality, surprised everyone with her incredible play at the US Open. Following a victory over Jelena Ostapenko, Townsend remained calm during a heated exchange and then defeated Mirra Andreeva.
Year’s Doubles Pairs: Glasspool/Cash and Siniakova/Townsend
Glasspool and Cash, the two best doubles players in the world, reached 11 finals in 2025. They won seven titles, including Wimbledon. Siniakova and Townsend continued their successful partnership in 2025, winning their second Grand Slam title together at the Australian Open. They also reached the US Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals. Honorable mention: Christian Harrison and Evan King. Harrison and King won three ATP titles and reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros.Comeback Player of the Year: Belinda Bencic
Bencic returned to competitive tennis in October 2024, six months after giving birth to her daughter Bella. She reached the fourth round at the Australian Open and won the title at the Abu Dhabi Open. She finished the season with a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon and won the Japan Open in October. She started the year ranked 489th and finished it ranked 11th.
