Carlos Alcaraz Wins 2025 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

In a year defined by incredible athleticism and fierce competition on the ATP Tour, Carlos Alcaraz has once again proven that true greatness extends far beyond the scoreboard. On Tuesday, the 22-year-old Spaniard, who is now a six-time Grand Slam champion and year-end World No. 1, was named the winner of the 2025 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, his second triumph after winning in 2023. 

Alcaraz topped nominees Felix Auger-Aliassime, Grigor Dimitrov, and Casper Ruud to win the award. Sportsmanship nominees were determined by an ITWA vote, and for the first time, the winner was selected in a vote by members of the exclusive ATP No. 1 Club – the 29 current and former players to have reached the #1 ranking.

This award is given for displaying exemplary behaviour on and off court, and Alcaraz deserved it for his unwavering commitment to integrity, respect, and humility throughout the season. Below are some of the standout moments that underscored his sportsmanship in 2025.

The Roland Garros Concession Against Ben Shelton

One of the year’s most talked-about displays of fair play came during the French Open’s fourth round on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Alcaraz faced American Ben Shelton in a tense clash. It was early in the second set, with Alcaraz serving, Shelton unleashed a sharp forehand cross-court passing shot. In a desperate attempt to keep the point alive, Alcaraz lunged across his body, but his racket slipped from his grip mid-volley. The loose racket inadvertently clipped the ball, sending it back over the net for what appeared to be a winner.

The chair umpire awarded the point to Alcaraz, drawing cheers from the crowd. But the Spaniard immediately approached the official to confess and surrender the point. Alcaraz won the match and later on in the press conference said, “I would have felt guilty if I didn’t say anything. I have to be honest with myself, with Ben, with everyone.”

Act of Kindness at Wimbledon

Alcaraz’s sportsmanship wasn’t confined to the baseline; it extended to the spectators, too. In the fifth set of his first-round Wimbledon encounter against veteran Fabio Fognini, play halted for a 15-minute medical delay when a fan in the stands collapsed from the heat.

As medics attended to the individual, Alcaraz didn’t pace impatiently or retreat to his chair. Instead, he sprinted to the sidelines, grabbed a bottle of water from his kit, and handed it to a steward to pass along to the ailing supporter. The gesture, witnessed by the Centre Court crowd, drew widespread applause and praise from commentators.

Gracious in Defeat

Carlos Alcaraz versus Jannik Sinner is on the path to becoming one of the greatest rivalries of all time, thanks to their blistering talent with mutual admiration. Their Wimbledon final, which Sinner won in four sets, provided yet another showcase of Alcaraz’s character. After the final point, as heartbreak washed over him, Alcaraz approached the net for a warm embrace with Sinner, then stepped back to clap enthusiastically as his Italian counterpart celebrated with his team and family in the stands.

That was pure class from the Spaniard and shows the respect that elevates their rivalry beyond competition. Alcaraz has won 6 Grand Slams at the age of 22, fills stadiums around the world and wins sportsmanship awards. He is a rare superstar of this beautiful game.