Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's tennis rivalry continues with Sportsman of the Year nominations at Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

For once, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are not fighting over a trophy on court. They are standing side by side on a different kind of stage. Both have been nominated for “Sportsman of the Year Award” at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026, and tennis fans are loving the moment.

The news has already sparked debate across social media, with ATP Tour followers asking the obvious question: can one of them beat the rest of the sporting world too?The Laureus Awards, founded in 1999, are considered one of the biggest honors in global sport. It is where champions from every discipline come together under one roof. Roger Federer still holds the record in this category with six trophies, while Tiger Woods has been nominated more times than anyone else, with 12 mentions.

Just being shortlisted puts Alcaraz and Sinner in rare company.

Tennis stars step onto the global stage

Alcaraz earned his nomination after a blockbuster 2025 season. The world No. 1 lifted titles at Roland Garros and the US Open, showing once again why he is seen as the future of men’s tennis. His fearless shot-making and big-match presence kept him at the center of tennis news all year. Sinner’s year was just as special. The Italian claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns, proving his dominance across surfaces.

Calm, focused and confident, he continues to build a reputation as one of the sport’s most complete players. But this is not just a tennis contest. Their rivals include soccer star Ousmane Dembélé, MotoGP champion Marc Márquez, cycling sensation Tadej Pogačar and pole vault world-beater Mondo Duplantis. It is a heavyweight field.The women’s side has strong tennis energy too. Aryna Sabalenka is nominated for “Best Athlete of the Year” after another standout campaign on the WTA Tour.

She will compete against stars like Aitana Bonmatí, Faith Kipyegon, Katie Ledecky and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.There is even more reason for tennis fans to tune in. Joao Fonseca has been nominated for “Breakthrough of the Year,” while Amanda Anisimova is in the running for “Comeback of the Year.”For now, the tour rivalry pauses. The Laureus World Sports Awards are voted on by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, a panel of legendary athletes from different disciplines. The ceremony brings together the biggest names in global sport each year, celebrating excellence, impact and achievement beyond individual tournaments or seasons.