Carlos Alcaraz could make tennis history in just a few months. He’s got a shot at becoming the youngest player ever to win all four Grand Slams.
The Spanish superstar is missing just one piece of the puzzle: the Australian Open.
He’s already won the other three majors twice each. But Melbourne? That’s been his kryptonite. He’s never even made it past the quarterfinals there.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 22 | 68,791 | 25 - 5 |
If Alcaraz wins Down Under next season, he’ll steal a pretty amazing record from his countryman Rafael Nadal. Rafa completed his Career Grand Slam at 24 years and 101 days when he beat Novak Djokovic in the 2010 US Open final.
Alcaraz came painfully close this year.
He lost to Djokovic in a thriller at Melbourne Park in the quarters. Just three wins away from history. Now he’s 22 years and 218 days old, which gives him two more chances to beat Nadal’s record.
But here’s the thing – Alcaraz sounds like he won’t need that third chance. He’s basically saying he’d rather win Australia than any other slam next year.
"In 2026, I’d rather win Australia alone than win two repeated Grand Slams."
– Carlos Alcaraz (via Reuters)
Alcaraz enters Melbourne as top seed and US Open champion for the first time
Alcaraz isn’t just talking a big game. He’s backing it up on the court.
For the first time ever, he’ll walk into the Australian Open as the No. 1 seed and defending US Open champion. That’s a pretty different position than he’s been in before.
The numbers are honestly ridiculous. He’s lost only nine matches out of his last 80 on tour. When he reaches finals, he usually wins them – eight titles from 11 final appearances during this stretch.
This past season was his best yet. Two Grand Slams, three Masters 1000 titles, and three ATP 500 trophies.
What’s really encouraging for Melbourne? Alcaraz figured out hardcourts in the second half of 2024. He won three straight outdoor hardcourt titles – the US Open, Cincinnati, and Tokyo.
Those playing conditions are pretty much exactly what he’ll face at Melbourne Park in January.
Carlos Alcaraz holds advantage over Jannik Sinner on hardcourts outdoors
Of course, there’s one massive roadblock waiting for him.
Jannik Sinner hasn’t lost a match at the Australian Open in two years. He’s dropped just five sets total during that run, which is just insane when you think about it.
Sinner’s the guy who stopped Alcaraz from winning Wimbledon three times in a row this year. He also beat him at the ATP Finals.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Alcaraz still leads their overall head-to-head 10-6. Even more importantly, he’s got a 6-2 record against Sinner on outdoor hardcourts.
The tournament draw will put them on opposite sides as the top two seeds. That means they can only meet in the final.
And Alcaraz has another edge – he’s 5-3 against Sinner in championship matches.
So if the 22-year-old can handle the other guys in his half of the draw, that Norman Brooks Challenge Cup and Career Grand Slam could finally be his. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for tennis history.
