Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka captured the top honours at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026, held at Madrid’s iconic Cibeles Palace.
Alcaraz was named Sportsman of the Year, while Sabalenka received the Sportswoman of the Year award, underscoring tennis’s dominance on the global stage.
The Laureus Awards, often called the “Oscars of Sport,” celebrate excellence, inspiration, and social impact across disciplines. Established in 2000 by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the awards are decided by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a panel of legendary athletes.
Alcaraz, just 22, continued his golden era in men’s tennis with triumphs at the French Open, U.S. Open, and Australian Open. His rivalry with Jannik Sinner has become one of the sport’s most compelling narratives. Accepting the award, Alcaraz said, “This is a night I will never forget, a moment I will keep in my heart forever.”
Sabalenka, the world No.1, earned recognition after another commanding season on the WTA Tour. Her second consecutive U.S. Open title in 2025 marked her fourth Grand Slam victory. “I’m shaking right now… it feels crazy to know my name will be next to those legends I looked up to,” she said emotionally.
The ceremony, hosted by Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu, celebrated legendary performances and highlighted the role of sport in driving positive change worldwide.
