Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy, stands on the cusp of a monumental achievement as he prepares to defend his French Open title at Roland Garros, starting May 25, 2025. With four Grand Slam titles already in his trophy cabinet—2022 US Open, 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon, and 2024 French Open—Alcaraz is chasing the elusive Career Grand Slam, a feat accomplished by only eight men in tennis history. His primary goal for 2025 is to capture the Australian Open, the one major missing from his collection, which would make him the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the set at just 22, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record of 24 years and three months. As he gears up for Roland Garros, Alcaraz’s recent performances and strategic focus signal that he’s primed to make history.
Alcaraz’s ambition is palpable. “I’m a very ambitious person and I want to win the Australian Open to complete my Grand Slam record,” he declared late last year. “To be champion there is my main goal for next season.” Though his immediate focus is defending his Roland Garros crown, a strong showing in Paris could propel him toward Melbourne with unstoppable momentum. His 2024 French Open triumph, where he outlasted Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-set final, cemented his status as a clay-court maestro. That victory, his first at Roland Garros, made him the youngest man to win major titles on hard, grass, and clay surfaces, a testament to his versatility. “Winning a Grand Slam is always special,” Alcaraz said after lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires. “But in Roland Garros, knowing all the Spanish players who have won this tournament and being able to put my name on that amazing list is something unbelievable.”
The road to Roland Garros 2025 has been a mix of triumphs and challenges for Alcaraz. His 2025 season started with a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open, where he fell to Novak Djokovic in four sets, a match that delayed his Career Grand Slam dream. He bounced back with a title in Rotterdam, his first indoor hardcourt victory, and a commanding performance at the Monte-Carlo Masters, securing his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title. However, injuries have tested his resilience. A hamstring issue forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open in April, and earlier arm and adductor injuries disrupted his clay preparations. Despite these setbacks, Alcaraz remains optimistic. “I’m not really worried about it,” he said of his hamstring injury, expressing confidence in his recovery for Roland Garros.
Alcaraz’s preparation for Paris has been meticulous. Currently competing in Rome’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia, he’s eyeing a semifinal run to reclaim the world No. 2 ranking, which would secure him the second seed at Roland Garros and potentially avoid a semifinal clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. His rivalry with Sinner, whom he leads 6-4 in their head-to-head, is one of tennis’s most electrifying. “If I have a bad day against Jannik, it’s 99 percent that I’m going to lose,” Alcaraz admitted, acknowledging the challenge. Yet, his 3-0 record against Sinner in 2024, including a five-set Roland Garros semifinal win, gives him an edge. A deep run in Rome, where he faces Karen Khachanov in the fourth round, could also solidify his clay-court form.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s charisma and candor continue to captivate fans. His Netflix docuseries, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, released in April 2025, offered an intimate look at his 2024 season, revealing the tension between his ambition and his desire for a normal life. Moments like his agent scolding him for tardiness—“It doesn’t matter if you’re number one in the world, nobody has to wait for you, Carlos”—humanized the star. Alcaraz’s response, “I know I’m not in a position to say anything. I’m in a position to lower my head and take the hits,” showcased his humility. His openness about mental health struggles, including feeling “nervous the whole day” before matches, has endeared him to fans and peers alike.
As Roland Garros approaches, Alcaraz carries the weight of expectations as Spain’s heir to Nadal, who won the tournament 14 times. The draw, set for May 22, could pit him against formidable foes like Sinner, Djokovic, or Zverev, but Alcaraz thrives under
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