2025 ESPYS Highlights
At the recent 2025 ESPYS, held annually to honor exceptional achievements in sports, two prominent figures in tennis received significant recognition.
Coco Gauff’s Recognition
Coco Gauff, who has recently made headlines for her remarkable performances on the court, was awarded the Best Tennis Player of the Year, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport. This year, she faced off against strong contenders including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff’s accolades are especially noteworthy considering she clinched her second Grand Slam title this year at the French Open, where she demonstrated resilience by overcoming her initial set loss to Sabalenka just as she did during her historic victory at the 2023 US Open.
The ESPYS Tradition
The annual ESPYS, a celebration of outstanding performances in sports televised on ABC, first took place in 1993 and has since become a key event for recognizing both individual and team excellence. Last year’s ceremony was particularly memorable as Serena Williams, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and the first African-American to host the awards, led the event. Williams has claimed multiple Best Tennis Player Awards in her illustrious career, a testament to her impact on the sport.
Controversy Surrounding Gauff’s Win
Despite Gauff’s impressive achievements, her second consecutive win for the Best Tennis Player Award sparked discussions regarding potential favoritism towards American athletes, a sentiment echoed in past years. Critics pointed to Sinner’s accomplishments, which include three Grand Slam titles since the last ESPYS, as reasons for frustration with Gauff’s recognition. Alcaraz also boasts a strong record with three major titles in the past seven tournaments, yet only secured one—the French Open—within the last year.
Sloane Stephens’ Humanitarian Efforts
In addition to Gauff’s accolades, Sloane Stephens was honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for her impactful work off the court. The 2017 US Open champion has dedicated herself to utilizing her platform to foster opportunities for underprivileged youth through her Sloane Stephens Foundation, which she established in 2013. This initiative currently supports approximately 15,000 young individuals across the United States, promoting educational opportunities and healthy lifestyles through tennis.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Stephens expressed her pride in her humanitarian efforts, stating, “I’ve been lucky to live my dream on the court, but the work we do has my name on it, and it belongs to all of us.”
Through her foundation, she continues to work passionately towards the betterment of children’s futures, emphasizing that the recognition is not solely about her but about the collective mission they share to create opportunities for young people.
Conclusion
Both Gauff and Stephens exemplify the dual impact athletes can have, excelling in their sport while also uplifting their communities through dedicated service and advocacy. Their achievements at the ESPYS highlight the significant contributions athletes make both on and off the court.
