Carlos Alcaraz is riding high after capturing his second US Open title, but the young tennis sensation has set his sights on something even more monumental: a rare Career Grand Slam by 2026. The excitement surrounding Alcaraz is palpable, particularly after his thrilling victory over Jannik Sinner in the final, where he triumphed with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. This win cements his status as one of the sport’s elite, as he adds to his incredible collection of six Grand Slam titles, which also includes championships from the Wimbledon and French Open tournaments.
At just 22 years old, Alcaraz has already made waves in the tennis world, becoming a Grand Slam champion at the US Open in 2022 and now claiming the title again in 2025. However, he remains keenly aware that one major title still eludes him: the Australian Open. The Spanish prodigy is laser-focused on achieving this elusive goal, and he is determined to break through in January, setting the stage for a historic Career Grand Slam.
“It’s my first goal, to be honest. When I just go to the preseason to [see] what I want to improve, what I want to achieve, Australian Open is there. It’s the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a Career Grand Slam, Calendar Grand Slam. So it’s going to be great,” he declared. This statement underscores Alcaraz’s ambition and determination, setting the tone for what could be an explosive start to 2026.
In the landscape of tennis, achieving a Career Grand Slam is no small feat. Only five players have managed to do so in the Open Era: legends Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and most recently, Novak Djokovic, who completed his set with a victory at Roland Garros in 2016. Alcaraz is acutely aware of this legacy and is eager to etch his name among these giants.
However, the Australian Open has proven to be a challenging tournament for Alcaraz. Despite his immense talent, he has struggled to replicate his winning form at Melbourne Park. Throughout his career, he has made four appearances at the Australian Open but has yet to advance past the quarterfinals. This year, he faced a formidable opponent in Djokovic, who eliminated him in the last eight.
As Alcaraz prepares for what could be a groundbreaking year, fans and analysts alike are left to wonder: will he break through at the Australian Open and achieve the Career Grand Slam he so desperately desires? With his recent performances and unwavering determination, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in 2026. The tennis world will be watching closely as Alcaraz chases history, aiming to become the next great champion in a sport rich with tradition and fierce competition.