Tennis icon Carla Suarez Navarro to be honored in the Canary Islands

It is impossible to imagine the history of tennis in the Canary Islands and Spain without Carla Suarez. She was not just an athlete, but a true icon. Her game, willpower, and ability to overcome difficulties inspired many. This year, Carla will be honored at the Canary Sports Awards for her contribution to the development of sports on the islands.

Carla Suarez Navarro is the best tennis player in the history of the Canary Islands and one of the most famous in Spain. She was the sixth-ranked player in the world, won two tournaments (in Doha in 2016 and in Oeiras in 2014), and played in eleven finals. For more than ten years, she was among the best tennis players in the world. At the Grand Slam tournaments, she reached the quarterfinals several times, showing a high level of play.

Carla always defended the honor of Spain at the Federation Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup, playing more than forty matches. She was a leader of the team and an example for others.

She defeated such tennis stars as Venus Williams, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, and Caroline Wozniacki. For seven consecutive years, Carla was in the top 20 of the world ranking. In 2016, the WTA awarded her the award for strength of spirit.

In 2020, Carla faced a difficult challenge – she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. But she did not give up, underwent treatment, and returned to professional sports, inspiring many.

In 2025, Carla became the captain of the Spanish national team in the Billie Jean King Cup. Now she shares her experience with the younger generation of tennis players.

Carla Suarez is very happy to receive the award: "I am grateful for this award, which honors athletes from the islands. This recognition makes me very proud. Throughout my career, I have proudly represented my land all over the world, always remembering my roots. The love of my people is the greatest thing I could wish for after a sports career."

Poli Suarez, Advisor for Education and Sports, noted: "Carla is an icon of Canarian and Spanish sports. Her example shows what struggle, perseverance, and the ability to overcome difficulties are. She inspires new generations of players."

Carla Suarez is known for her elegant style of play, competitive spirit, and contribution to the popularization of women's tennis. In the Canary Islands, she is considered a sports ambassador who supports the development of tennis and helps young athletes.

Together with Carla, the award will be received by journalist Domingo Alvarez. In 2024, basketball player Sergio Rodriguez was honored in this category. The award ceremony will take place on October 3 in Tenerife.