Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff receive player ambassador awards

New York, August 26, 2025 – Sebastián Varela and Matt Van Tuinen were honoured at the International Tennis Writers’ Association Reception, which took place at the Yale Club of New York on Saturday.

The annual cocktail evening – held for the first time since 2019 – was attended by a wide range of people from the tennis world, including tournament officials, broadcasters, journalists and ATP and WTA Tour communications staff. View photo gallery by Fred Mullane.

Varela, a Chilean writer and the co-founder of CLAY, a dedicated tennis website, won the Tom Perrotta Prize, which is awarded to someone under the age of 35 who achieves excellence in tennis journalism.

Varela’s entry was chosen by a panel of seven leading journalists, who judged the competition blind. The prize is given in memory of the highly respected American writer Tom Perrotta, who died from a brain tumour at the age of 44.

“This recognition is a boost to keep doing what I’m passionate about – reporting and writing good tennis stories for CLAY,” said Varela, who plans to give half of the cash prize that accompanies the award to Fundación Futuros para el Tenis, a social project that uses tennis to educate vulnerable children in Lo Espejo, the third worst-ranked district in Chile in terms of urban quality of life.

“Tennis needs quality journalism and for young professionals to take an interest in it. I’m grateful for the work done by the ITWA and for the commitment of Tom’s family to keep his legacy alive by supporting future talents through this remarkable award.” 

Van Tuinen received the Bud Collins Award, which is given to someone who has been particularly helpful to the media, going above and beyond their job. Named after the distinguished American broadcaster and writer, Bud Collins, the award is voted on by ITWA’s 100-plus members.

Van Tuinen has worked in sports communications for more than 20 years, most recently at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where he has run the media room with dedication, a sense of humour and a love of journalism that has remained with him throughout his career.

Van Tuinen was diagnosed with ALS in April 2024, but he made the trip to New York to accept his award, accompanied by several members of his family.

“My spirit remains vibrant because of amazing opportunities like this, where I get to spend an evening with friends,” he said as he accepted his award. “I consider myself incredibly blessed, and echoing Lou Gehrig, the luckiest man in the world. I am deeply humbled by this award. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff named ITWA ambassadors

ITWA also announced two other prizes Saturday: Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff were selected as the 2025 ITWA Player Ambassadors, recognising their willingness to speak to the media openly and honestly, even after defeats. Both Alcaraz and Gauff received their prizes at the U.S. Open.

The evening was co-sponsored by the sport’s seven governing bodies: the Association of Tennis Professionals, Women’s Tennis Association, International Tennis Federation, the All England Club, United States Tennis Association, French Tennis Federation and Tennis Australia.