TENNIS: Sabalenka named WTA Player of the Year for second straight season

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has been honored as the WTA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, the governing body of women’s tennis announced on Monday.

The Belarusian star spent the entire year at the top of the rankings, capping off a dominant 2025 campaign by successfully defending her U.S. Open title. Sabalenka led the tour in both match wins and titles, reaching nine finals over the course of the season. In addition to her U.S. Open triumph, she finished as the runner-up at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros and reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Sabalenka won four singles titles in 2025 and tallied an impressive 63 victories. As she retained her year-end number one ranking for the second straight year, she also set a new single-season prize money record, earning a total of $15,008,519, according to the WTA.

Anisimova Named Most Improved Player

American Amanda Anisimova was awarded the Most Improved Player of the Year title after a standout season. Anisimova, who was also nominated for Player of the Year, reached five finals in 2025. She claimed her first WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing and advanced to her first Grand Slam finals at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Anisimova’s remarkable season saw her break into the top 10 in July and qualify for the WTA Finals for the first time in her career. She finished the year ranked fourth in the world.

Siniakova and Townsend Take Doubles Honors

Czech Katerina Siniakova and American Taylor Townsend were named Doubles Team of the Year. The duo claimed their second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, and they also reached the final at the U.S. Open, solidifying their place as one of the top doubles teams in the world.

Bencic Wins Comeback Player of the Year

Former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic was awarded Comeback Player of the Year after an incredible return to form following the birth of her child in April 2024. Bencic produced a string of strong results, including a victory over world number five Elena Rybakina to claim the Abu Dhabi Open title.

Mboko Named Newcomer of the Year

Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko was named Newcomer of the Year after surging to a career-high world ranking of 18. The 19-year-old capped off her breakthrough season by capturing her first WTA 1000 title in Montreal, becoming one of the brightest young talents on the WTA tour.

This year’s WTA award winners have all showcased extraordinary talent and perseverance, highlighting the depth and excitement of women’s tennis on the global stage. -Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters