Tennis 2025: Alcaraz and Sabalenka shine, Keys Surprises and More!

The 2025 Professional Tennis Season: An Unforgettable Year

The 2025 season of professional tennis has come to an end, and it has undoubtedly been a year full of emotions and memorable moments. From the dominance of stellar figures to the emergence of new talents and the return of legends, this season has offered something for all fans. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominated the men’s scene, sharing the four Grand Slam titles. In the women’s circuit, the competition was more fierce, with four different players winning 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 something very special. Here’s a look at the award winners and highlights of the 2025 season.

ATP Player of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz

The 2025 ATP season was marked by the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. Although both tennis players stood out from the rest, with a considerable point difference between Sinner (number 2) and Alexander Zverev (number 3), the competition between them was intense. Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros and the US Open, in addition to finishing the year as number 1 for the second time in his career. Sinner, for his part, won the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and revalidated the title at the ATP Finals.

“I don’t know how one could choose,” declared Chris Evert, alluding to the difficulty of deciding between both players.

Chris Evert

Finally, Alcaraz was recognized as Player of the Year, thanks to his six additional titles, including three Masters 1000. In addition, Alcaraz leads the head-to-head record against Sinner, with four victories in their six encounters of 2025. Regardless of the choice, it is undeniable that Alcaraz and Sinner are the best players in the world and are expected to continue their brilliant performance in 2026.

Sabalenka conquered the US Open for the second consecutive year.

WTA Player of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka

Unlike the ATP circuit, there was a greater variety of contenders for the title in the WTA. Although the Grand Slams were won by four different players, and Elena Rybakina took the title at the WTA Finals, Sabalenka stood out above the rest, being the unanimous choice for this award. Sabalenka, world number 1 for the entire season, won the US Open, repeating as champion, something not seen since Serena Williams. In addition, she reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, and the semifinals of Wimbledon. She also obtained three other titles, including two at the 1000 level, and played a total of nine finals. For many, Sabalenka was the most consistent and deserving player of recognition.

“She is number 1 and she 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,” declared Anisimova.

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. Although she reached her first semifinal in 2015 and was runner-up at the US Open in 2017, she had not achieved victory in key moments. This year, nearing the age of 30, Keys starred in a memorable performance at the Australian Open, defeating five seeded players, including Swiatek (number 2) in the semifinals and Sabalenka (number 1) in the final. Keys finally 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, lasting five hours and 29 minutes, became 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, after returning from a three-month suspension, won the first two sets. However, Alcaraz reacted, forcing a fourth set and saving championship points. The last set was an exchange of spectacular points, and Alcaraz took the victory in a tiebreak, consolidating the legend of the rivalry between both tennis players.

Most Improbable Victory: Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai

Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world and ninth alternate for the qualifying phase, managed to enter the Masters 1000 tournament thanks to several withdrawals. Vacherot defeated one seeded player after another, including Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and Novak Djokovic. In the final, he defeated his cousin Arthur Rinderknech and became the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title, as well as the Masters champion with the lowest ranking in history. After this unexpected victory, Vacherot rose in the rankings and finished the season in 31st place.

Honorable Mentions

Victoria Mboko, Canadian Open: With a wildcard, the 18-year-old Canadian surprised everyone by defeating four Grand Slam champions and winning the 1000-level tournament in her country, achieving her first WTA title and rising to 24th 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, dazzled at the US Open. After a victory over Jelena Ostapenko, Townsend remained calm in the face of her rival’s confrontation and then defeated Mirra Andreeva.

Taylor Townsend defeated Mirra Andreeva at the US Open.Although she lost in the fourth round, Townsend became a fan favorite and has been seen in various media outlets since her outstanding participation in New York.

Doubles Teams of the Year

Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash: The world’s top two doubles players reached 11 finals in 2025, winning seven titles, including Wimbledon, being the first British pair to achieve this since 1936.Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend: They continued their successful partnership, winning their second Grand Slam title together at the Australian Open, as well as reaching the US Open final, the Wimbledon semi-finals, and the year-end Finals final.

Honorable Mention

Christian Harrison and Evan King: Without having won an ATP title before, this pair won three ATP titles and reached the semifinals of Roland Garros, being the first American pair to qualify for the ATP Finals at the end of the year.

Comeback Player of the Year: Belinda Bencic

Bencic returned to competition in October 2024, six months after giving birth. After playing ITF events and level 125, she returned to the circuit in 2025. She reached the fourth round at the Australian Open and won the Abu Dhabi Open. She finished the season with a semifinal at Wimbledon and another title at the Japan Open, moving from 489th to 11th in the ranking.

Amanda Anisimova had a dream year, reaching the Wimbledon and US Open finals.

Most Improved Player: Amanda Anisimova

Anisimova, after taking a break for her mental health, had a spectacular year. She won the most important title of her career at the Qatar Open and entered the top 20. She reached the final at Queen’s Club and surprised Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semi-finals, reaching her first Grand Slam final. Although she lost against Swiatek, she got her revenge at the US Open, reaching the final again. She closed the year with another 1000 title at the China Open, qualifying for the WTA Finals and reaching number 4 in the world.

Honorable Mention

Learner Tien: The young American had a remarkable season. After overcoming the qualifying rounds at the Australian Open, he defeated Daniil Medvedev and became the youngest player to reach the fourth round in Melbourne since Rafael Nadal in 2005. He also beat Zverev, and finished the year with his first ATP title and a new professional ranking.

Most Challenging Players by Age: Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams

Djokovic, at 38 years old, remains one of the best players in the world. Despite focusing on the Grand Slams, he reached the semifinals in all four tournaments, but couldn’t overcome Alcaraz and Sinner. He won two titles, totaling 101 in his career. Although he has mentioned the end of his career, he wants to continue playing in 2026. Venus Williams, at 45 years old, returned to tennis after a 16-month break, winning her first singles match at a tournament level since 2004. She competed in the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where she became the oldest player in the main draw since 1981. Williams lost in the first round, but had an outstanding performance in doubles. Williams has accepted a wildcard to play in Auckland in January, marking her 33rd year as a professional.