Two of the brightest stars in the tennis universe, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, have officially been nominated for Best Tennis Player at the 2025 ESPY Awards, solidifying their places at the very top of the sport. Joining them in the category are ATP powerhouses Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, making it a truly elite and globally competitive field.
The ESPY Awards, an annual celebration of athletic excellence presented by ESPN, recognize the most outstanding achievements across all sports. With winners determined by fan voting and announced during a star-studded live ceremony, being nominated is an honor in itself—and for Gauff and Sabalenka, it’s a moment that reflects the impact they’ve made over the past year both on and off the court.
Coco Gauff: The Rising Legend
For Coco Gauff, this nomination comes on the heels of a career-defining year. The 20-year-old American sensation not only captured her first French Open title—a dramatic and emotionally charged win over none other than Aryna Sabalenka—but also continued to grow into a global icon for youth, strength, and resilience. Her blazing performances on the court were matched by her poise off it, from her charitable endeavors to her voice in social issues.
Gauff’s US Open campaign may have ended sooner than fans hoped last year, but with her recent resurgence in form, she has proven that she’s not a one-hit wonder—she’s a movement. Her nomination represents the arrival of a generational talent coming into full bloom.
Aryna Sabalenka: Power and Precision
Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka has had a season marked by dominance, consistency, and explosive energy. She captured multiple WTA titles, including victories in Miami and Madrid, and reached the finals of three Grand Slam events in a single calendar year. Her battle-hardened mentality and aggressive style of play have made her one of the most feared opponents on the tour.
Sabalenka has also become a fan favorite for her honest, often emotional reactions and her fearless approach to the game. This ESPY nod is not just about trophies—it’s about heart, perseverance, and commanding excellence throughout a grueling season.
A Defining Moment for Women’s Tennis
This year’s Best Tennis Player category at the ESPYS reflects the shifting dynamics in the tennis world. Gauff and Sabalenka represent a new wave of dominance in women’s tennis—strong, confident, and unapologetically authentic. Their inclusion alongside ATP stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shows that women’s tennis isn’t just holding its own—it’s leading.
The 2025 ESPY Awards will air live from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on July 16, with voting open to fans across the globe. The winner will be chosen not just based on stats, but on the stories, spirit, and impact behind every match played.
Whether it’s Coco’s fearless rise or Sabalenka’s unyielding fire, this category is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the future of tennis. One thing’s for sure: whoever wins, the sport itself is already better for having them both.
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