The 2025 year-end world No.1 produced dominant performances to reach three Grand Slam finals. Her most dominant showing came at the US Open, dropping only one set and beating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in the final for her fourth career Grand Slam victory. She also reached the final at the French and Australian Opens, narrowly missing out in tight three-set matches against Coco Gauff and Madison Keys.

Sabalenka received her Laureus statuette on stage in Madrid from 2023 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Laureus Academy Member, Boris Becker, and during her speech, shared the emotions she was feeling.

“Well I’m shaking right now after seeing all of the incredible stories [of all the Nominees], so inspiring. I have goosebumps. 

“When I see the list of the winners of the previous years, it makes me feel a little bit crazy to know that my name is going to be next to those legends. The athletes I watched and looked up to. I’m a little bit emotional to be honest, speechless right now. This is big.”