In a surprising turn of events at the prestigious 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards , Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz flatly refused to award the Sportsman of the Year prize to Novak Djokovic, despite expectations that the Serbian would win the award again. Alcaraz’s refusal and his harsh words about his colleague shocked those in attendance, leaving the ceremony in a tense atmosphere.

Alcaraz, who had been a favorite to win Sportsman of the Year thanks to his impressive season, surprised everyone when, upon presenting the award to Djokovic, he said, “I can’t give an award to someone I don’t consider a good person.” The phrase resonated throughout the room and quickly became a hot topic on social media.

The young tennis player, known for his exceptional talent on the court and his humble personality off it, expressed his dissatisfaction with Djokovic’s attitude in recent years. “Although I respect his career and everything he has achieved in tennis, I cannot ignore how he has behaved off the court. There is more to sport than just winning matches. Attitude and respect for others are fundamental. That’s why this award is not for him,” said Alcaraz, visibly affected by the situation.

Novak Djokovic’s reaction to Alcaraz’s words was as surprising as the Spaniard’s decision. Instead of reacting with anger or disdain, the Serbian responded calmly and thoughtfully, something that surprised many of those present at the gala. “Carlos has a right to his opinion,” Djokovic said. “If he feels my actions aren’t up to par, I respect that. I’m not perfect, and I’m constantly working to improve as a person, not just as a tennis player. Life is bigger than any trophy.”

Djokovic’s calm handling of the situation surprised those in attendance, who had expected a more emotional response, given the nature of the accusations. Rather than escalating into open conflict, the situation was handled with mutual respect, although the tension remained palpable.

The clash between Alcaraz and Djokovic isn’t entirely new. While the two players have had a professional relationship and shared the court on several occasions, their differences in personality and approach to tennis have been a recurring topic of conversation in recent months.

Alcaraz, who has been praised for his humility and positive approach on and off the court, appears to have taken a firm stance on the values ​​he considers essential in sport. In comparison, Djokovic has occasionally been criticized for his attitude, both during matches and in his public statements, particularly regarding his views on vaccines and his approach to competition. Despite his success on the court, some feel that Djokovic’s behavior sometimes falls short of the ideals of respect and sportsmanship that many tennis fans value.

In a recent interview, Alcaraz commented that, although he respects Djokovic’s career, he doesn’t always agree with his behavior, especially when it comes to how he behaves with his tour colleagues. “He’s a great champion, but it’s not all about trophies. Mutual respect is what really matters, and that’s a lesson I always try to teach,” Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz’s decision not to award Djokovic has divided public opinion. Some fans have expressed their support for Alcaraz, considering his stance an example of integrity and responsibility within the world of sports. “Carlos is right. Tennis is more than just being the best. It’s a life lesson, and respect is fundamental,” commented one Alcaraz follower on Twitter.

On the other hand, Djokovic’s fans have criticized Alcaraz for his attitude toward one of the most successful tennis players of all time. “I don’t understand how Carlos can say that about a player who has opened so many doors for him. Djokovic has been a model of success and determination, and this doesn’t reflect that,” one fan expressed on social media.

This incident has highlighted the growing rivalry between Alcaraz and Djokovic, a rivalry that could continue to grow as both players continue to dominate the ATP Tour. Despite the tension, this conflict may push both players to improve and provide more exciting moments for tennis fans in the future.

Alcaraz, with his sincerity and focus on values, is making it clear that, for him, being a good human being is as important as being a good athlete. For his part, Djokovic, with his calm response, has shown that maturity and respect are essential, even when faced with direct criticism.

Alcaraz’s decision and Djokovic’s response mark a turning point in the relationship between the two great tennis players. Will this be the beginning of a fierce new rivalry or an opportunity for both players to learn to respect each other’s opinions and differences even more? Only time will tell. In the meantime, tennis fans will continue to closely watch how this story unfolds on and off the court.