The Italian has continually declared his innocence on the grounds of contamination, but Sinner has received a lot of backlash since the prohibited substance clostebol was twice found in his system.

While he did not criticize his rival, Alcaraz has also reacted to Sinner’s ban that leaves him with an opportunity to close the gap on the world number one ranking.

Not only does Sinner not have the opportunity to compete for three months, but he has also been stripped of the opportunity to win a prestigious award.

Carlos Alcaraz nominated for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award

With Sinner dominating in 2024, winning two Grand Slam titles and losing only six matches throughout the whole year, he was set to be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.

However, it was announced last week that Sinner’s nomination would be withdrawn following his recent ban from tennis.

“Following discussions by the Laureus Academy, it has been decided that Jannik Sinner’s nomination for this year’s Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is to be withdrawn,” said Sean Fitzpatrick, who si the Laureus World Sports Academy chairman.

“We have followed this case, the decisions of the relevant global bodies and – whilst we note the extenuating circumstances involved – feel that the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible. Jannik and his team have been informed.”

The official announcement for the nominees of one of the biggest awards of the night has now been made, with it appearing that the aforementioned Alcaraz has taken Sinner’s place as the only tennis player on the list.

Alcaraz won Roland Garros and Wimbledon last year, and was the only player to have beaten Sinner on multiple occasions in 2024.

The Spaniard has previously won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, and he has now been nominated an even bigger award.

Upon the announcement of Alcaraz’s Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award nomination, a statement was released with the man himself speaking about how honored he feels.

“Laureus has a special place in my heart and I am deeply honoured to be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award,” said Alcaraz. “In 2023, I won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award and – as if the evening could get any better – I also met Lionel Messi on the red carpet!

“When I reflect on 2024, my mind goes to that incredible moment at Wimbledon when I picked up my second men’s singles trophy against Novak Djokovic, an athlete who has won this prestigious Award five times.

“The Laureus Awards celebrate the very best from the world of sport, and to be nominated for the Sportsman of the Year Award by the world’s media is an achievement and an incredible honour.” 

Alcaraz will face stiff competition if he is to win the award, as he goes up against Armand Duplantis (Pole Vault), Leon Marchand (Swimming), Max Verstappen (Formula 1) and Tadej Pogacar (Cyclist).

Previous tennis players to have won Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award

Tennis has done particularly well at the Laureus Sports Awards since it held its inaugural edition in 2000, with Roger Federer winning more single awards than any other person (six).

Five of Federer’s awards have come in the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award category, where he is tied alongside Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has also won five awards in this category, most recently coming last year after winning three Grand Slam titles in 2023.

Rafael Nadal is the only other tennis player to have won this award, having received the honor in both 2011 and 2021.

Other tennis players to be honored at the Laureus Sports Awards include Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu and Goran Ivanisevic.

Alcaraz will be looking to become the first non-big three member tennis player to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award when they are held on Monday April 21 in Madrid, Spain.