22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz completed his Career Grand Slam on Sunday, Feb. 1, after beating the legendary Novak Djokovic in four sets in the Australian Open final.
The Spaniard is the youngest ever to accomplish this feat, being just 22 years and 272 days old. Alcaraz has won a total of seven Grand Slam titles for men’s singles, but before this major he had spent years of his early career chasing after the elusive Australian Open title.
“In the previous years I haven’t gone, you know, in a good way, but I [am] really happy that I just push myself to be better and finally came this year,” Alcaraz stated in his post-match press conference with Tennis365.
Despite his shortcomings at this event in previous years, Alcaraz’s victory in Melbourne during the 2026 season earned him significant praise from other players for this impressive career accomplishment
“He brings so much energy and intensity on the court. From that perspective, he reminds me a lot of Rafa,” Djokovic said to “The Athletic.” “Just such a complete player. He can hurt you from anywhere on any court on any surface. He has shown that. His versatility is amazing.”
Besides his already favorable reputation as a player, Alcaraz has discussed his goal for the Australian Open before his win.
“Completing a Career Grand Slam was something that was on my mind,” Alcaraz said in the post-match press conference. “Every time that I come here to Australia, I just made the preseason just with my mind into this tournament to try to work as hard as I can and to be as well-prepared as I can, you know, to play this tournament and trying to get the trophy.”
After achieving his goal and gaining yet another title, Alcaraz expressed his gratitude for the victory, voicing his dedication to achieve such results as he began his speech on court, among a sea of spectating fans.
“I think nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. “I’ve just chased this moment so much.”
Although Alcaraz’s career is still in its early stages, he has proven himself a champion by practically every standard.
“He has seven slams, so he’s definitely not just a promise for the future. He’s already a legend,” Former tennis player Rafal Nadal said to “Europa Press.” “If you look at the historic greats in Slams, there aren’t many who have seven.”
From beginning his professional tennis journey at 16 to being the youngest player to complete a career slam, Alcaraz has pushed the boundaries of the sport, earning his spot as an all-time player to watch in future tournaments.
