The Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship award is given annually to the player who has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and fairness on court, while also promoting the game through off-court activities. Despite his achievements, Novak Djokovic has once again been left out of the nominations.

The nominees for 2025

This year’s nominees include Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Grigor Dimitrov, and Casper Ruud. Dimitrov, Alcaraz, and Ruud have all previously won the award, while Auger-Aliassime could become a first-time recipient if selected. The winner will be chosen by fellow ATP players, continuing the tradition of peer recognition.

Coach of the Year contenders

Alongside the sportsmanship award, the ATP also recognizes the best coaches of the season. Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, who guided Jannik Sinner, are nominated as co-coaches. Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez, who worked with Carlos Alcaraz, are also in contention. Other nominees include Benjamin Balleret, coach of Valentin Vacherot, Frederic Fontang, who coaches Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Bryan Shelton, coach of Ben Shelton.

The dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner

Given the remarkable seasons of Alcaraz and Sinner, their coaches are seen as frontrunners for the award. Both players reached the top of the rankings and made deep runs in major tournaments, underlining the impact of their coaching teams.

Recognition of excellence

While Djokovic’s absence from the sportsmanship nominations has raised eyebrows, the list of nominees reflects the ATP’s emphasis on rewarding players who embody fairness and respect. The awards highlight not only individual talent but also the collaborative efforts between players and coaches that define success in modern tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz in 2025

Now ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 16^th of November when he was overcome by world no.2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).

This season Carlos has an overall 71-9 match record. The Spaniard conquered 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Carlos reached the final in Barcelona, Wimbledon and the Nitto ATP Finals.

Novak Djokovic in 2025

Ranked no.4, the Serbian played his last match on the 8^th of November when he overcame world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Athens to win his 101^st career title.

Presently, during this year the Serbian owns a compiled 39-11 record. Djokovic has won 2 titles in 2025 in Geneva and Athens. The Serbian reached the final in Miami.

Djokovic has scheduled to compete next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 29th of December.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic fought against each other 9 times. Their current record is 5-4 for Djokovic.