Alcaraz, Sabalenka win Laureus Awards; Yamal named best young player

Tennis stars dominated this year's Laureus World Sports Awards, often regarded as the 'Oscars of sport'. Carlos Alcaraz was named Sportsman of the Year while Aryna Sabalenka won Sportswoman of the Year. Barcelona's Spanish winger Lamine Yamal won the Best Young Player award.

The winners were honoured at a grand ceremony at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid, Spain, on Monday, April 20.

Alcaraz, 22, who took the tennis world by storm by winning the French Open and US Open last year, received this prestigious recognition for the first time in his career. Expressing his emotions, Alcaraz said, "Recognition from those who understand sport so deeply means even more. I will never forget this night. It will always stay in my heart."

World number one Aryna Sabalenka, who won the US Open last year, also tasted Laureus glory for the first time. Expressing her excitement, she said, "I am shaking right now! My name will be written alongside those legendary players I grew up watching and following. It feels a little unbelievable just thinking about it."

Meanwhile, Spanish football sensation Lamine Yamal became emotional after winning the Best Young Player award. He said, "I am very happy to receive this award. It is a great honour for me. I want to thank the academy and my family, who have always been by my side."

At one point in his speech, referring to Lionel Messi as the greatest player in history, Yamal said, "For me, Lionel Messi is the best player in history. He is a role model for every athlete. The world respects him for what he has achieved."