Carlos Alcaraz wins ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Six-time Grand Slam winner and reigning world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz proved that earning recognition in the sport of lawn tennis isn’t only achieved by winning matches on the hard court.

On Dec. 10, 2025, the 22-year-old Spanish phenom bagged the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, recognized by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).

Alcaraz edged Felix Auger-Aliassime, Grigor Dimitrov, and Casper Ruud to collect his second award, having previously won in 2023.

Dedicated to the six-time Grand Slam champion and Swedish legend Stefan Edberg, the player who is qualified to win the award must conduct himself at the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

Despite his intensity and competitiveness, Alcaraz has always been popular for his sportsmanship acts, including viral moments that garnered him millions of views on social media during the past few years.

Alcaraz’s most notable sportsmanship gesture this year was against Ben Shelton during their 2025 French Open encounter.

The young stalwart admitted that his volley shot should be nullified by the umpire, after the point was initially awarded to him.

After Alcaraz glided inside with the volley, he explained that the racket made contact with the ball after it had already left his hand, which is deemed to be illegal in tennis.

In a brief discussion with the umpire, the point was taken from him and was given to Shelton, a gesture that received a standing ovation from the hundreds in attendance who flocked to Roland Garros.

Alcaraz replicated his behavior in the grand finals against Jannik Sinner, where he overturned an umpire’s call that could’ve favored his come-from-behind setting.

Initially, the umpire judged Sinner’s service attempt as outside the line, but Alcaraz walked to the area, investigated the clay markings, and told the officials that his opponent’s service landed inside the serve box.

Alcaraz has always been gracious even in defeat, lauding his opponents while giving out long-lasting hugs seconds after the umpire called the official match decision.

Felicidades, Carlos Alcaraz, eres un modelo a seguir para todo tenista!