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

The 2025 Tennis Season: An Unforgettable Year

The 2025 professional tennis season has come to an end, and what a year it was. From the dominance of superstars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, to the consolidation of figures like Amanda Anisimova and Ben Shelton, and the return of Naomi Osaka to the top, this season offered something for every fan. Alcaraz and Sinner dominated the ATP circuit, splitting the four Grand Slam titles, while in the WTA there was greater parity. Four different players, Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, won the titles of the major tournaments. In addition, both in the ATP and the WTA, there were surprising victories and captivating stories, which made this season one of the most memorable. Below, we analyze the most outstanding players and moments of the 2025 season, according to the vote of experts and the opinion of Alofoke Deportes.

ATP Player of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz

The 2025 season on the ATP was marked by the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. Although both stood out, the difference between them was minimal. Alcaraz won Roland Garros and the US Open, and finished the year as number 1 for the second time in his career. Sinner, for his part, took the Australian Open and Wimbledon, in addition to winning the ATP Finals for the second consecutive time.

I don’t know how one could be chosen.

Chris Evert

The voting was close, but Alcaraz took the distinction for having won six additional titles, including three Masters 1000, and for leading the head-to-head record against Sinner, whom he defeated in four of their six encounters in 2025. Sinner’s suspension for a few months gave Alcaraz the advantage, according to experts. Regardless of who deserves the title, both tennis players are the best in the world and are expected to continue their brilliance in 2026.

They have played at an incredibly high level for a prolonged period of time.

Alex de Minaur

Sabalenka won the US Open for the second consecutive year.

WTA Player of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka

Unlike the ATP, in the WTA there were several contenders for the title. Although the Grand Slams were won by four different players, and Elena Rybakina took the WTA Finals, Sabalenka stood out above the rest. The world number 1 won the US Open, becoming the first woman to repeat a title in more than a decade, and reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, as well as the semifinals of Wimbledon. Sabalenka also won three other titles, including two at the 1000 level, and participated in a total of nine finals. For many, she was the player of the year par excellence.

She’s number 1 and she’s 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

Keys, a talented player who turned professional at 14, finally achieved her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. She defeated five seeded players, including Swiatek and Sabalenka, in an exciting three-set final.

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

The first Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner lasted 5 hours and 29 minutes, becoming the longest final in Roland Garros history and the second longest in a Grand Slam. Sinner, who was returning from a suspension, won the first two sets, but Alcaraz staged an epic comeback, forcing a fifth set and winning 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 rivalry between both tennis players.

Most Improbable Victory: Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai

Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, arrived at the Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament as an alternate. However, he managed to get into the main draw and defeated several seeded players, including Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic, before beating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final. This historic victory made him the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title and the Masters champion with the lowest ranking in history. After this victory, Vacherot quickly rose in the rankings, finishing 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 the world by defeating four Grand Slam champions to win the 1000-level tournament in her country. This triumph catapulted her to number 24 in the ranking.

Star of the Year: Taylor Townsend, US Open

Townsend, known for her talent in singles and doubles, captivated the audience with her game and composure at the US Open. After a victory over Jelena Ostapenko, Townsend remained calm in the face of her rival’s confrontation. Then, Townsend defeated Mirra Andreeva, solidifying herself as one of the audience’s favorites.

Townsend not only excelled on the court, but also off it, demonstrating her strength and pride as a Black woman. Although she lost in the fourth round, she became a very popular figure.

Doubles Pairs of the Year: Glasspool/Cash and Siniakova/Townsend

Glasspool and Cash, the best doubles players in the world, reached 11 finals in 2025, winning seven titles, including Wimbledon. Siniakova and Townsend, for their part, continued their successful partnership, winning the Australian Open and reaching the US Open final.

Wimbledon post

Post by Katerina Siniakova

Honorable Mention: Harrison/King

Harrison and King, who had never won an ATP title, won three titles, reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros and qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Comeback Player of the Year: Belinda Bencic

Bencic returned to competitive tennis in October 2024, six months after giving birth to her daughter. In 2025, she reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, won the title at the Abu Dhabi Open, and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, finishing the year ranked number 11.

More Improved: Amanda Anisimova

Anisimova had an exceptional year, winning the title at the 1000-level tournament in Qatar, entering the top 20 for the first time, and reaching the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open. She finished the year with another 1000 title and a record ranking of number 4 in the world.

Honorable Mention: Learner Tien

Tien, 19 years old, also had a standout season. He reached the main draw of the Australian Open and defeated former world number 1 Daniil Medvedev. In addition, he won his first ATP title at the Moselle Open, finishing the year ranked 28th.

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 tennis and competed competitively, proving that age is just a number. Both continue to demonstrate their passion for the sport.

Post by Novak Djokovic

Williams, who continues to compete, accepted an invitation to play in Auckland in January, marking her thirty-third year as a professional tennis player.