Carlos Alcaraz has established himself as one of tennis’s brightest stars, and at just 21 years old, he stands on the precipice of history. With three Grand Slam titles already under his belt, the young Spaniard is in a prime position to achieve the coveted Career Grand Slam—winning all four major tournaments. His sights are firmly set on the upcoming Australian Open, where he hopes to secure the fourth and final piece of this prestigious puzzle. If he manages to conquer Melbourne by 2027, Alcaraz will surpass Rafael Nadal as the youngest player ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
A Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Alcaraz burst onto the scene in 2022 when he won the US Open, becoming the first teenager to claim a major title since his compatriot Rafael Nadal did so at the 2005 French Open. That victory catapulted him into the spotlight and marked the beginning of what many believe will be a legendary career. Just a year later, he added Wimbledon to his growing list of achievements, completing half of the Career Grand Slam by the tender age of 20. In 2024, Alcaraz continued his remarkable run by securing his first French Open title, making him the youngest player to win three different majors. He didn’t stop there; a few months later, he defended his Wimbledon title, notching his fourth Grand Slam victory shortly after turning 21.
The Australian Open: The Next Big Goal
Alcaraz has been vocal about his ambition to win the Australian Open, identifying it as the next major milestone in his career. “Winning the Australian Open is my next big goal,” he recently admitted. “It would be a dream to complete the Career Grand Slam at such a young age. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to give it my all.” His record at Melbourne Park is steadily improving, and he is determined to build on his quarterfinal appearance earlier this year.
Alcaraz’s Australian Open Journey
Alcaraz’s journey at the Australian Open began in an unconventional setting. Due to COVID-19 disruptions, the 2021 qualifying rounds were held in Doha, Qatar. Then just 17, Alcaraz showcased his potential by navigating through the qualifiers with wins over seasoned opponents like Filip Horansky and Evgeny Karlovskiy. He secured his place in the main draw by defeating Hugo Dellien in straight sets, making him the youngest player to qualify for a Grand Slam since 2014. In the main draw, he defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round before falling to Mikael Ymer in a hard-fought four-set match.
A Thrilling Battle with Berrettini
The following year, Alcaraz returned to Melbourne as a rising star ranked 31st in the world. After convincing wins over Alejandro Tabilo and Dusan Lajovic, he faced Matteo Berrettini in the third round. The match was an epic five-set thriller, lasting over four hours. Alcaraz demonstrated incredible resilience, recovering from a two-set deficit to force a deciding fifth set. Despite his valiant effort, he fell short in the final-set tiebreak. Berrettini’s experience proved decisive as he clinched the match, but the performance underscored Alcaraz’s potential and fighting spirit.
Injury Setback and Return
Alcaraz missed the 2023 Australian Open due to an injury, a setback that temporarily halted his momentum. However, he returned to Melbourne in 2024 with renewed determination. Seeded second, he breezed through the early rounds, defeating Lorenzo Sonego and other formidable opponents to reach his first Australian Open quarterfinal. There, he faced Alexander Zverev, who had been in scintillating form. The German dominated the first two sets, but Alcaraz mounted a comeback in the third, winning the set in a tiebreak. Despite his best efforts, Zverev ultimately prevailed in four sets, ending Alcaraz’s run. Reflecting on the loss, Alcaraz remained optimistic: “I learned a lot from that match. Every experience makes me stronger, and I know my time will come.”
Eyes on the Prize: 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Alcaraz is more motivated than ever. He knows that winning the Australian Open will require him to overcome fierce competition from the likes of Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and other top contenders. “The competition is tough, but that’s what drives me,” he said. “I’m focused on my goal and ready to work harder than ever.”
Alcaraz’s journey is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering determination. As he prepares for the upcoming Australian Open, the tennis world watches with bated breath, eager to see if he can etch his name into the history books as the youngest player to achieve the Career Grand Slam. Whether he accomplishes this feat in 2025 or the years that follow, one thing is certain: Carlos Alcaraz is a generational talent with the potential to redefine the sport.