The tennis off-season is a time for contemplation, with fans and analysts discussing their favorite matches of the year, while the ATP and WTA Tours recognize players who have had remarkable performances. Players themselves are perhaps the best judges of standout performances, and this year they seem to have reached a consensus.
A group of ATP stars, while sharing their personal award selections with Express Sport, highlighted the Grand Slam finals featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as some of the best matches of 2025.
The breathtaking five-set clash in the French Open final drew praise from players like Ugo Humbert, Francisco Cerundolo, Tomas Machac, and David Goffin, while Casper Ruud chose a different championship match.
Ruud also recognized Iga Swiatek for her sixth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defying her label as a “clay” specialist. Additionally, players like Jack Draper, Joao Fonseca, and Jakub Mensik also made significant strides in their games. Below, five tennis stars share their award winners.
Which player(s) impressed you this year?
Ugo Humbert: “Carlos and Jannik both had incredible seasons, reaching four Grand Slam finals. Watching them was inspiring; they play fantastic tennis.”
Francisco Cerundolo: “I was impressed by Draper’s performance in the early months before his injury, and Fonseca’s significant rise from outside the top 100 to around 25 in the world.”
Casper Ruud: “Iga’s victory at Wimbledon was surprising. Often seen as a clay-court player with four Roland Garros titles, her win at Wimbledon was truly impressive.”
Tomas Machac: “I believe Fonseca is rapidly improving. I faced him in the US Open, and it was a tough match, showcasing his skills.”
David Goffin: “Carlos and Jannik, the top two players, continued their upward trajectory, while Jakub Mensik’s win was noteworthy for such a young player.”
Favourite match you watched this year?
Humbert: “The final between Alcaraz and Sinner at Roland Garros.”
Cerundolo: “Definitely the French Open finals between Carlos and Jannik; it was the best match of the year.”
Ruud: “The US Open final was intense, with Carlos displaying incredible speed and skill.”
Machac: “The French Open final was captivating; I was glued to the screen for it.”
Goffin: “The French Open finals were thrilling, showcasing exceptional rallies and intensity.”
Favourite match you played this year?
Humbert: “Against [Taylor] Fritz in Basel was a highlight.”
Cerundolo: “My match against Jakub Mensik in Madrid’s quarter-finals was tough but rewarding after recovering from being a set down.”
Ruud: “The Stockholm final was probably my best match this year, especially with family and friends in attendance.”
Machac: “My favorite was the final in Acapulco against [Alejandro Davidovich] Fokina.”
Goffin: “Winning against Alcaraz in Miami was memorable for me despite his struggles. It was a tough moment for him, but he had an incredible turnaround afterwards.”
