Tennis continues to assert its dominance on the global stage as Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz and Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka were named World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday.

Held for the third consecutive year at the majestic Cibeles Palace in Madrid, the ceremony highlighted tennis as the most successful sport in Laureus history, marking its 13th win in the men’s category and 8th in the women’s category.

Alcaraz, who enjoyed a landmark 2025 season by clinching both the French Open and US Open titles, joins an elite circle of tennis legends to receive the honor, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.

“I am following in the footsteps of giants. This is a recognition among the greatest athletes in the world, across all sports,” said Alcaraz, who previously won the Laureus Breakthrough Award three years ago.

For Aryna Sabalenka, the award marks her first time receiving the prestigious statuette. Her remarkable consistency throughout 2025—holding the world No. 1 ranking for the entire year and successfully defending her US Open title—was the cornerstone of her victory.

She now stands alongside women’s tennis icons such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Jennifer Capriati, and Justine Henin as a Laureus recipient.

Beyond the tennis courts, several other sporting icons shared the spotlight:

• Rory McIlroy (Golf): Won the Comeback of the Year award after ending an 11-year Major drought with a historic victory at the 2025 Masters.
• Lando Norris (F1): Named World Breakthrough of the Year following his first-ever Formula 1 World Championship title.
• Paris Saint-Germain (Soccer): Earned the World Team of the Year award after a flawless season, winning six trophies including their inaugural UEFA Champions League title.

Full List of 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards Winners:

• World Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis)
• World Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka (Tennis)
• World Team of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (Soccer)
• World Breakthrough of the Year: Lando Norris (F1)
• World Comeback of the Year: Rory McIlroy (Golf)
• World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Gabriel Araújo (Para-Swimming)
• World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)
• World Young Sportsperson of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Soccer)
• Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos (Soccer)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comăneci (Gymnastics)