Carlos Alcaraz on Career Grand Slam: ‘It’s a dream come true’ | ATP Tour
ATP Tour
Alcaraz on Career Grand Slam: ‘It’s a dream come true’
The Spaniard is the youngest man to win a Career Grand Slam in history
February 01, 2026
Martin KEEP / AFP via Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz is a seven-time major champion.
Written by Sam Jacot
Carlos Alcaraz etched his name deep into tennis history on Sunday night at the Australian Open, where the 22-year-old defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets to become the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam.
After that, the sad Alcaraz showed success that strengthened his preparation for the season.
“It’s a great feeling. Finishing the Career Grand Slam was something that was on my mind,” said Alcaraz. “Every time I come here to Australia, I always have the first season in my mind with this tournament to try to work hard and prepare myself as much as I can to play this tournament and try to get the trophy.
“In the past years, I didn’t go well but I’m very happy that I just pushed to get better and finally made it this year.
Alcaraz arrived in Melbourne under unusual circumstances, parting ways with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in December after seven years together. The change brought noise and doubt outside, something Alcaraz was determined to shut down.
“It was a different season for me, so I had to come back from a situation that was not normal for me, which was difficult,” said Alcaraz, who had never advanced to the quarter-finals in Melbourne before this year. “Many people were talking about everything and doubting my quality in this tournament.
“The whole year I came here to Australia, I thought about getting the trophy. It didn’t happen. I couldn’t get past the quarter-finals. As I came this year, I was hungry for more, I have the desire to get the trophy and mental strength, I don’t hear anything or any words from people. And playing good tennis in this tournament means a lot to me, it means that my dream is coming true.”
Facing 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic in the final, Alcaraz caught a storm when the Serbian raced to the top spot. Instead of panicking, the Spaniard trusted the process, responding by recording a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory.
“The first set, I think he played well,” Alcaraz said. “I was hitting the ball well. I was going well. I played well in the first set, but in front of me I had a nice and motivated Novak, who was playing very good shots.
“So in the second set, I think in the first game you made a few simple mistakes that you didn’t make in the first set, that gave me a lot of peace. I just hoped and believed that the game could change a little bit if I stayed there mentally. Trying to be strong, I just changed a little bit tactically… I think that helped me a lot to get back into the game and I felt comfortable and at peace.”
The Lexus ATP Head2Head for both is now tied at 5-5. Djokovic was planning a 10th meeting with Alcaraz when he beat Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals to reach his first major tournament since Wimbledon in 2024.
Despite the magnitude of his milestone, Alcaraz was quick to praise Djokovic’s 24-time record.
“What he is doing is inspiring. It inspires all athletes,” said Alcaraz. “Not only tennis players but all athletes, even myself. [He has been] contradicting people saying that he won’t play another Grand Slam final or that he won’t beat Jannik or me. Then he came and played such good tennis and beat Jannik in the semi-final, and here in the final, he played such good tennis. It’s unbelievable what he’s doing.”
So, after completing the Career Grand Slam, can Alcaraz, a seven-time major champion, now win all four majors in the same year?
“It’s going to be a big challenge,” Alcaraz said. “I just want it to be one thing at a time. Right now, next time [Roland Garros]. I have fond memories of that tournament. I feel really special every time I go. I don’t want to put myself in the trouble of having to do it.”
Alcaraz has now captured 15 Major Titles – a combination of Grand Slam tournaments, trophies at the Nitto ATP Finals and ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, as well as unique Olympic gold medals. Rival Sinner is 11. Alcaraz also leaves Melbourne at No. 1 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, with 3,350 points ahead of 2024 and 2025 Australian Open champion Sinner.
