Ivan Lendl, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Ivan Lendl among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Ivan Lendl »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a reliable source, Ivan Lendl 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 26/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Lendl 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 65-year-old tennis player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Lendl so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the tennis player have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Ostrava Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Ostrava (Ivan Lendl'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:

“Ivan Lendl Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 25 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Ivan has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 25 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ivan Lendl?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 25 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ivan Lendl?

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?

© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Ivan Lendl: Recent News

 

page served in 0.036s (1,2)