Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old tennis prodigy from Spain, has shared his plans for his next tattoo—an addition he’s hoping to get after claiming the only Grand Slam trophy missing from his collection: the Australian Open. Alcaraz, known for his bold playing style and incredible athleticism, has become one of the most exciting players in men’s tennis. Competing alongside stars like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, he is already regarded as one of the best players in the world. His success on the court has not only garnered him international fame but has also inspired a unique tradition: getting a tattoo after each of his Grand Slam victories.
Alcaraz currently has three tattoos commemorating his major wins, each one symbolizing a milestone in his career. After winning the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, the young Spaniard marked each achievement with a tattoo. As he continues to build his legacy, Alcaraz has set his sights on the Australian Open as his next big goal. In a recent interview, he expressed his desire to add a new tattoo if he manages to secure a victory in Melbourne. “I said [I would get a tattoo] for the first Grand Slams I win—when I won the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, of course. But when I won Wimbledon for a second time, I didn’t put a tattoo on it,” Alcaraz explained. “So, hopefully, the Australian Open is going to be the next one.”
The Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam tournament where Alcaraz has yet to triumph. His best performance in Melbourne came in the 2024 edition, where he reached the quarterfinals but ultimately fell to Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a hard-fought match. In a four-set battle, Alcaraz put up a strong fight but was defeated 6-1, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4. The 2024 Australian Open was eventually claimed by his rival and current world No. 1, Jannik Sinner. The Italian star won a grueling final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller, showcasing his resilience and competitive edge. With Sinner holding the top spot, Alcaraz’s motivation to conquer the Australian Open and reclaim his ranking has only intensified.
As he embarks on his journey to capture another Grand Slam, Alcaraz is currently competing at the Paris Masters. The prestigious event will offer him a prime opportunity to sharpen his game before the Australian Open. Alcaraz will face Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in the round of 32, a challenging match that will test his form. Jarry, a 29-year-old powerhouse, reached the second round after defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3. The upcoming clash between Alcaraz and Jarry will be their fourth meeting on the professional circuit, with Alcaraz holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record, having won two of their previous three encounters.
Beyond the Australian Open goal, Alcaraz’s tattoo tradition speaks to his reflective and passionate approach to tennis. Each tattoo embodies a journey and symbolizes the dedication and hard work behind each title. Alcaraz is often vocal about his ambitions and is not afraid to share his aspirations with fans and media alike. For Alcaraz, his tattoos serve as a reminder of his triumphs and his commitment to reaching even greater heights in the sport. His passion for tennis is evident in his training regimen, which is as intense and focused as his performances on the court. Under the guidance of his coaching team, Alcaraz has developed a disciplined and strategic approach that emphasizes both physical strength and mental resilience. He’s learned to analyze his opponents and adapt his style, making him a formidable competitor.
While the tennis world eagerly awaits the Australian Open to see if Alcaraz can fulfill his goal and add a new tattoo to his collection, his rivalry with Sinner remains one of the most captivating narratives in men’s tennis. The two young stars have pushed each other to deliver some of the season’s most memorable matches. Sinner’s victory at the Australian Open and his current status as world No. 1 only add to the anticipation surrounding their next showdown. Alcaraz’s desire to reclaim the top ranking and prove himself on the Australian stage fuels the intensity of their rivalry, with fans around the world excited to see how the competition unfolds.
For now, Alcaraz remains focused on the Paris Masters, a tournament that holds significant weight in the ATP rankings and serves as a crucial warm-up ahead of the new season. His match against Jarry will be a test of his preparation and adaptability, qualities that have become trademarks of his game. The Paris Masters will also provide an opportunity for Alcaraz to assess his form against top-tier competition, setting the stage for his Australian Open campaign. With both Djokovic and Sinner absent from this year’s tournament in Paris, Alcaraz has a strong chance to capture the title, further boosting his momentum as he eyes the Grand Slam victory he needs to complete his tattoo collection.
Carlos Alcaraz’s journey represents more than just titles and rankings. His story is one of resilience, ambition, and a deep love for the game. As he continues to chase his dreams and accumulate accolades, his tattoos remain a testament to his accomplishments and the milestones that define his career. With his eyes firmly set on the Australian Open, Alcaraz is determined to overcome any challenges and prove himself as a contender for the No. 1 ranking and Grand Slam glory. Fans around the world are eagerly watching, knowing that each victory, each step closer to a title, brings with it the promise of another tattoo and the legacy of a young star who continues to make his mark on the world of tennis.