Why did Sinner surpass Alcaraz to win the ATP Fan Favorite Player award?

Sinner has been continuously victorious on the court while also gaining increasing support from fans. The Italian player secured six tour-level championships in the 2025 season and won the ATP’s “Fan Favorite Singles Player” award for the third straight year.

“Thank you all so much for your votes,” Sinner said in a special message dedicated to his fans. “Winning the ‘Fan Favorite Award’ again means a lot to me, especially because of your support. It’s been an intense and challenging year, but you gave me tremendous energy and love, especially when I stepped onto the court to play in front of you. That feeling is the best for us tennis players. I really appreciate it. I will prepare my best to face the challenges of the new year, and we will see each other again soon.”

Sinner started the new season by successfully defending his Australian Open title. Out of the 12 tour-level tournaments he entered, he reached at least the final in all except Halle and Shanghai. One of the most memorable moments was his victory over long-time rival Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, where he lifted his first trophy at the All England Club.

By the end of the season, Sinner finished as world number two, just behind Alcaraz. He ended the year on a 15-match winning streak, capturing titles in Vienna, Paris, and the ATP Finals. Notably, the Italian won the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year without dropping a set. Statistics show that the 24-year-old, who has won 24 tour-level titles, posted an impressive 58-6 win-loss record in the 2025 season.

Sinner has long been a regular recipient of ATP annual awards. As a teenager in 2019, he was named “Best Newcomer of the Year.” Then in 2023, he earned both “Most Improved Player of the Year” and “Fan Favorite Player” awards. The following year, he again won the fan vote and also claimed the ATP year-end world number one ranking.

Sinner’s victory over Alcaraz in the “ATP Fan Favorite Award” sparked widespread discussion. Although some were surprised by the voting outcome, there are likely multiple reasons behind Sinner’s win. One key factor might be the voting system itself. The ATP Fan Favorite Award requires fans to register and vote on the official ATP platform, a method that tends to favor smaller but highly dedicated fanbases.

Sinner’s fanbase has always been very united and well-organized. This level of engagement often proves decisive in votes that require time and effort rather than just a simple click. A passionate core group of supporters can sometimes outweigh a larger but less mobilized audience.

Additionally, some attribute the result to national support. Italian fans are known for their enthusiasm and solidarity in backing their athletes, often mobilizing strongly in public votes. While Alcaraz also enjoys immense popularity in Spain, Italian tennis fans may have been more active in supporting Sinner during the voting period.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)