Ashleigh Barty, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a top source, former world No.1 in women's tennis Ashleigh Barty is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the tennis player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 04/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Barty for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 30-year-old tennis player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Barty so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the tennis player have already been named ‘Australian Of The Year’ by some major Australian newspapers and even ‘Ipswich Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Ipswich (Ashleigh Barty's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the tennis player was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#BartyPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 3 May 2026

“Congrats! Ash has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 3 May 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ashleigh Barty?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 3 May 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ashleigh Barty?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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