Carlos Alcaraz Eyes Career Grand Slam, Adds Samuel López to Coaching Team
Carlos Alcaraz, one of tennis’s brightest stars, has confidently declared his intention to complete the coveted Career Grand Slam. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who has already claimed four major titles, believes it is only a matter of time before he conquers the Australian Open, the lone Grand Slam missing from his resume. Additionally, Alcaraz has made a strategic move to bolster his coaching team, bringing in Samuel López to support his longtime mentor, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz’s Growing Grand Slam Legacy
Despite his young age, Alcaraz has already cemented his place among the sport’s elite. His Grand Slam victories include:
- US Open (2022): The tournament where Alcaraz announced himself to the world by winning his first major title, becoming the youngest male player to achieve the feat since Rafael Nadal in 2005.
- Wimbledon (2023, 2024): Two consecutive triumphs on the hallowed grass courts, including a thrilling final victory over Novak Djokovic in 2023 that showcased his immense talent and mental fortitude.
- Roland Garros (2024): Alcaraz conquered the Parisian clay to claim his first French Open title, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dominant force on multiple surfaces.
While these achievements are remarkable, Alcaraz’s journey at the Australian Open has been less fruitful. In his three appearances, his best result has been reaching the quarterfinals. However, the Spaniard remains undeterred and optimistic about his prospects in Melbourne.
Confident Words Ahead of 2025
Speaking to the press ahead of an exhibition match against Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden, Alcaraz expressed his determination to secure the elusive Australian Open crown.
“I am sure that I will be champion of Australia sooner or later. Let’s hope it is this year (2025),” Alcaraz declared. “For me, it is very important to complete the remaining Slams.”
Alcaraz’s confidence is not misplaced. As one of the most physically gifted and mentally tough players on the tour, his adaptability and hunger for success suggest that an Australian Open title is well within his reach. If he achieves it, Alcaraz will become the ninth man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, joining an illustrious group that includes legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
Exhibition Win Against Shelton
To prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, Alcaraz took part in the exhibition match against rising American star Ben Shelton. The two electrified the New York crowd with their athleticism and shot-making. Alcaraz ultimately triumphed in a competitive 4-6, 6-2, [7-4] encounter, using the event to fine-tune his game ahead of his Australian Open campaign.
Strengthening the Coaching Team: The Addition of Samuel López
Alcaraz’s quest for continued growth and success has led him to expand his coaching team. Samuel López, a highly regarded Spanish coach, will join Alcaraz’s camp as a secondary coach alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero.
López is best known for his nine-year partnership with Pablo Carreño Busta, a relationship that ended recently. López briefly collaborated with Alcaraz at the 2024 Australian Open when Ferrero was recovering from knee surgery. The success of that temporary arrangement likely influenced Alcaraz’s decision to bring López on board full-time.
“I think Samuel, for me, is one of the best coaches that we have on Tour,” Alcaraz explained. “They (Ferrero and López) trust each other 100 percent, and being able to travel with both, for me, it’s going to be great.”
Alcaraz emphasized the potential benefits of working with two experienced coaches.
“I think I’m going to grow as a player thanks to them,” he added. “We are going to work pretty hard and pretty good for the next season and the next years. Hopefully, we are going to make good results together.”
López is expected to join Alcaraz’s team after the Australian Open, starting with the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam. This strategic move demonstrates Alcaraz’s commitment to refining his game and maintaining his position at the top of the sport.
2025 Season Strategy
Alcaraz’s 2025 campaign will begin directly at the Australian Open, as the Spaniard has opted to skip lead-up events for the second consecutive year. This decision reflects a growing trend among top players who prioritize peak performance at Grand Slam tournaments over early-season match practice.
While skipping preparatory tournaments comes with risks, Alcaraz’s team likely believes that the focused training block leading into Melbourne will leave him physically and mentally ready to tackle the demanding fortnight.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, Alcaraz’s ambitions remain as bold as ever. Completing the Career Grand Slam would be a monumental milestone, and 2025 represents a prime opportunity for him to achieve it. With his expanded coaching team, unwavering self-belief, and proven ability to rise to the occasion, Alcaraz is poised to continue his meteoric ascent.
Beyond Melbourne, the tennis world will watch closely to see how Alcaraz navigates the challenges of the season. Can he sustain his dominance and challenge for the World No.1 ranking again? Will his rivalry with players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic reach new heights? One thing is certain: Carlos Alcaraz is not just a player of the present but a defining figure of tennis’s future.