The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has recently spotlighted the dedication and achievements of its elite players, coaches, and tournaments in the annual WTA Tour Awards, revealing the nominations and winners for the 2025 season. This year’s awards showcased not only on-court triumphs but also the off-court contributions by athletes who have made significant impacts in the world of tennis.
Among the standout nominees, Amanda Anisimova captivated audiences with her remarkable journey throughout the season. The young American was uniquely nominated in both the Player of the Year and Most Improved Player categories, evidencing her exceptional performances in 2025. Anisimova reached an impressive five finals this year, securing her first WTA 1000 titles at both the Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha and the China Open in Beijing. Additionally, she made her Grand Slam final debuts at Wimbledon and the US Open, and reached the final of the WTA 500 HSBC Championships held at Queen’s Club in London. Her outstanding achievements also marked her ascent into the Top 10 in July, along with earning a spot in the prestigious WTA Finals for the first time.
Another highlight of the WTA Tour Awards came from Belinda Bencic, who marked her return to the sport following maternity leave. After welcoming her daughter Bella in April 2024, Bencic exploded onto the scene, making her comeback at the United Cup. She continued to build momentum with a strong round-of-16 performance at the Australian Open, matching her best result there. Bencic solidified her return by defeating World No. 5 Elena Rybakina to clinch the title at the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The Swiss talented player reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon and capped her season by winning her tenth career title at the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
The Newcomer of the Year award was claimed by 19-year-old Victoria Mboko, who emerged as a breakout star in 2025. Starting the year ranked outside the top 300, the Canadian skyrocketed to No. 18 by year’s end. Mboko’s journey commenced with her Tour debut at the WTA 1000 Miami Open, followed by her first Grand Slam appearances at both Roland Garros, where she reached the third round, and Wimbledon. Her crowning moment arrived at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Montreal, where she made history by becoming the second-youngest woman in the Open Era to defeat four Grand Slam champions in a single tournament. She capped off her season with another title at the WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open.
The Match of the Year award went to an unforgettable encounter between Coco Gauff and Zheng Qinwen during the semi-finals in Rome. After an intense battle lasting 3 hours and 22 minutes, Gauff triumphed with a score of 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4), marking a rematch from their previous year’s WTA Finals showdown. The dramatic contest, which featured a thrilling third-set tiebreak, was notable for Gauff’s ability to rally from a break down before clinching victory just after midnight.
Despite a season curtailed by injury, Zheng was recognized as the Singles Fan Favourite of the Year, illustrating her enduring popularity with fans, who cheered her on throughout the season. She excelled with remarkable performances, including her semi-final run in Rome and reaching the quarter-finals at Roland Garros for the first time. Following elbow surgery, Zheng made a brief return at the Beijing event but was forced to retire due to ongoing issues.
Jasmine Paolini was honored as the Doubles Fan Favourite of the Year, a title reflecting her widespread appeal and stellar performance throughout the season. She captured the doubles title at Roland Garros alongside compatriot Sara Errani, marking both women’s first major championship. Paolini also celebrated victory in Rome while winning additional titles in Doha and Beijing, helping Italy retain its Billie Jean King Cup title.
In a year full of remarkable achievements, the WTA recognized Alexandra Eala for her historic run in Miami, which earned her the WTA 1000 Moment of the Year. After entering ranked 140th, Eala became the first Filipina to reach a WTA Tour semi-final, achieving this milestone by defeating multiple Grand Slam champions along the way.
Venus Williams, returning to tournament play after a 16-month hiatus, garnered praise after making headlines for her compelling victory in the opening round of the Davis Cup. At 45 years old, she showcased her enduring talent by overpowering Peyton Stearns.
Lastly, the award for the WTA 250 Moment of the Year was bestowed upon Maya Joint for an astonishing tiebreak victory at the Eastbourne final, where she saved four championship points against Eala, sealing her second title of the season.
Additionally, the Cincinnati Open received accolades as the WTA 1000 Tournament of the Year after a successful edition, along with the Credit One Charleston Open and Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open receiving their respective awards in the WTA 500 and WTA 250 categories.
As the 2025 season wraps up, the achievements recognized at the WTA Awards highlight a year filled with passion, creativity, and immense talent within women’s tennis, paving the way for an exciting future ahead.
