Alcaraz named Spain's Athlete of the Year by Marca

On December 30 local time, the results of the 2025 Spain’s Best Athlete voted by Spain's Marca newspaper were revealed. Alcaraz, who reclaimed the ATP year-end world No.1 spot this year, secured 44.37% of the votes, decisively beating motorcycle racer Márquez (21.5%) and climber Hines (17.5%). Additionally, Sabalenka was honored as the 2025 International Best Female Athlete.

Results of Marca’s Spain Athlete of the Year voting

Alcaraz had a highly successful 2025 season, winning 8 titles including the French Open, US Open, Monte-Carlo Masters, Rome Masters, and Cincinnati Masters, along with runner-up finishes at Wimbledon and the ATP Finals. Most notably, after defeating Sinner in the US Open final, Alcaraz reclaimed the world No.1 ranking after two years and maintained his lead through the end of the year, successfully defending the year-end No.1 title.

Alcaraz’s major achievements in the 2025 season

Image: Visual China

Recently, Alcaraz revealed a commemorative tattoo celebrating his second US Open title. When he first won the US Open in 2022, he tattooed the date “11 09 22” on his left arm; the new tattoo, placed above the date, features two iconic New York landmarks — the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Bridge — symbolizing both memory and artistic expression.

Alcaraz’s new tattoo

Image: Social Media

After announcing the end of his partnership with veteran coach Ferrero during the off-season, Alcaraz’s performance in the new season has drawn much attention. Judging by his latest off-season updates, the Spanish young star is not distracted by off-court issues and is steadily preparing for the new season. Having already won 2 titles each at the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, Alcaraz will pursue the “Career Grand Slam” for the second consecutive year at the Australian Open; meanwhile, his biggest rival, Sinner, who won Wimbledon this year, is also just one French Open title away from completing the “Career Grand Slam.”

Alcaraz and Sinner started the season on the same pace; they will both participate in an exhibition match in Seoul, South Korea, on January 10, before heading straight to Melbourne for the Australian Open. What thrilling matches will these young tennis “twins” bring to fans worldwide in 2026? Let’s wait and see!

(Text and Editing: Dato)