Who is the most popular tennis player today?

When you think of tennis, one name often comes up before all others - not just because of titles, but because of how the world sees them. In early 2026, the most popular tennis player isn’t just the one with the most Grand Slams. It’s the one who fills stadiums, trends on social media, and makes people who’ve never held a racket stop and watch.

Carlos Alcaraz: The New Face of Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz, a 22-year-old from Spain, is the most popular tennis player right now. He won his first Grand Slam at 18, became the youngest world No. 1 in men’s tennis history in 2022, and has since added three more major titles by 2025. But popularity isn’t just about trophies. Alcaraz plays with a wild, fearless energy - diving for shots, screaming on the baseline, and turning rallies into fireworks. His matches draw over 10 million live viewers on YouTube and TikTok, even when he’s not playing in a final.

He’s not just dominating on clay and hard courts. He’s dominating in culture. He has over 25 million followers across Instagram and X. Brands like Nike, Rolex, and Wilson don’t just sponsor him - they build campaigns around him. When he won the 2025 US Open, his celebration video got 89 million views in 48 hours. That’s more than some pop stars get.

Why Popularity Isn’t the Same as Ranking

Novak Djokovic still holds the record for most Grand Slam titles (22) and has spent more weeks at No. 1 than anyone. But his popularity has shifted. He’s respected. He’s legendary. But he doesn’t trend like he used to. His matches still draw big crowds - especially at Wimbledon and the Australian Open - but the energy around him feels more like reverence than excitement.

On the other hand, Iga Świątek, the Polish player who’s held the women’s No. 1 spot for over 100 weeks, has become the most watched female player on the planet. She doesn’t do flashy celebrations. She doesn’t post viral TikToks. But her quiet dominance, her record-breaking 37-match winning streak in 2023, and her clean, powerful game have made her a global icon. In 2025, she was named the most popular athlete under 25 in Europe by a survey of 50,000 fans.

Popularity in tennis now isn’t just about wins. It’s about presence. It’s about how players connect with fans who watch on phones, not TVs. It’s about personality, style, and authenticity.

The Rise of the Digital Athlete

Tennis used to be a sport where legends were built slowly - through decades of Grand Slam wins and quiet professionalism. Now, a player can become a global star in two years. Alcaraz and Świątek both grew up posting match clips on social media. They didn’t wait for TV networks to find them - they built their own audiences.

Alcaraz’s signature move - the one-handed backhand with a topspin that looks like it’s defying physics - is now a meme. Fans recreate it in driveways. Coaches use it in training videos. Kids wear his wristbands. Świątek’s calm demeanor during pressure points has inspired YouTube videos titled “How to Stay Cool Under Pressure Like Iga.”

Even players who aren’t ranked top five are gaining massive followings. Jannik Sinner, the quiet Italian with a deadly serve, has seen his Instagram following jump from 1.2 million to 8.7 million in just 18 months. His matches against Alcaraz are now the most-watched ATP matches of the year.

Who’s Missing From the List?

Some names still carry weight but aren’t trending. Rafael Nadal is a god in tennis - 22 Slams, the King of Clay. But since his 2024 retirement, he’s become a symbol, not a current star. Andy Murray is still competing, still beloved, especially in the UK, but his matches draw nostalgia, not viral clips.

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka has a huge fanbase because of her power and emotion. She screams, she cries, she pounds the ball. But she doesn’t have the same global cultural footprint as Świątek. Emma Raducanu had a moment - her 2021 US Open win was a sensation - but injuries and inconsistency have kept her from staying in the spotlight.

Popularity today isn’t about past glory. It’s about now. It’s about what you’re doing this month, this week, this match.

What Makes a Tennis Player Popular Today?

Here’s what separates the most popular players from the rest:

• They play with emotion - not just intensity, but real feeling. Fans connect with joy, frustration, determination.
• They’re active on social media - not just posting, but engaging. Alcaraz replies to fan comments. Świątek shares behind-the-scenes clips from training.
• They have a signature style - Alcaraz’s running forehand, Świątek’s heavy topspin, Sinner’s one-handed backhand. People can recognize them in a split second.
• They win big when it matters - no one remembers a player who wins small tournaments. Popularity needs Grand Slam moments.
• They’re relatable - not perfect, not robotic. Alcaraz jokes about losing his racquet. Świątek admits she gets nervous. That’s what fans love.

Where the Future Is Headed

The next wave of popular players is already coming. 17-year-old Coco Gauff is a global star, but she’s still growing into her prime. 19-year-old Holger Rune is building a fanbase with his aggressive net play. And in the juniors, a 15-year-old from Brazil named Mateus Mendes is being called the next Alcaraz.

Tennis is changing. The sport used to be about history. Now it’s about moments. The most popular player isn’t the one with the most trophies - it’s the one who makes you feel something when you watch. It’s the one who makes you want to grab a racket and go play.

Right now, that’s Carlos Alcaraz. And Iga Świątek. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be watching them in person this summer at Roland Garros - not because you’re a tennis fan, but because everyone else is.