Madrid, April 20, 2026
Tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz were crowned Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Britain’s Lando Norris also took home major honors during Monday’s ceremony in Madrid.
The prestigious awards, often dubbed the "Oscars of sports," recognized outstanding achievements across multiple disciplines, with tennis dominating the individual categories. Sabalenka and Alcaraz, both reigning Grand Slam champions, edged out competitors from athletics, football, and motorsport to claim the night’s top accolades.
Tennis Dominates Top Honors
Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, was named Sportswoman of the Year after a dominant 2025 season that saw her reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. The Belarusian powerhouse, known for her aggressive baseline game, dedicated the award to her team and fans, calling it "a dream come true."
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation, secured Sportsman of the Year honors following back-to-back Grand Slam victories at Roland Garros and the US Open. His electrifying performances and relentless work ethic have drawn comparisons to his idol, Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz, who hails from Murcia, thanked his coaches and family, saying the award "motivates me to keep pushing my limits."
The dual tennis victories underscored the sport’s global appeal, with both athletes representing a new generation of stars reshaping the game.