Read More: Jannik Sinner’s nomination for Laureus sportsman of year withdrawn after ban
The winner would join elite company: The only previous tennis players to earn Sportsman of the Year honors are Roger Federer (2005–2008, 2018), Rafael Nadal (2011, 2021) and Novak Djokovic (2012–2015, 2016, 2019, 2024)—the sport’s “Big Three.”
Men’s tennis players are the most decorated athletes in the category, with 12 total wins, compared to the next most successful sports—Formula One and athletics—with five apiece.
Tennis is also well represented across the other Laureus categories announced on Tuesday. WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka leads the nominees for Sportswoman of the Year after clinching her fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2025 and finishing runner-up at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
She is nominated alongside Aitana Bonmati (football), Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (athletics), Katie Ledecky (swimming) and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (athletics).
Four former WTA world No. 1s have previously won the award: Jennifer Capriati (2002), Serena Williams (2003, 2010, 2016, 2018), Justine Henin (2008) and Naomi Osaka (2021). Williams is tied with gymnastics star Simone Biles for the most wins at four.
