How far is Alcaraz from achieving the Grand Slam goal?

22/01/2026 13:43:00 sport

The four Grand Slam tennis tournaments have a long history, dating back to Wimbledon in 1877, spanning over three centuries. Throughout this extensive history, countless heroes have emerged and legends have been made. Among the greatest milestones is the career Grand Slam, achieved when a player wins all four major titles — the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open — at least once in their career.

So far, only eight men in tennis history have accomplished this remarkable feat: Fred Perry from the UK (1935); Donald Budge from the USA (1938); Australia’s Rod Laver (1962) and Roy Emerson (1964); American Andre Agassi (1999); Swiss Roger Federer (2009); Spaniard Rafael Nadal (2010); and Serbian Novak Djokovic (2016).

Currently, the versatile Spanish player Alcaraz is striving to become the ninth man in tennis history to complete the career Grand Slam.

So, how close is Alcaraz to achieving this monumental accomplishment? Perhaps very near, within reach; or maybe still far away, like a distant dream.

Born in May 2003 and turning professional early in 2018, Alcaraz made a stunning breakthrough in 2022 by winning the Miami and Madrid Masters titles, then skyrocketed to claim the US Open championship and rise to world No. 1. In 2023, he triumphed in a five-set Wimbledon final, overturning seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in a surprising victory. In 2024, Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros to win the French Open, then successfully defended his Wimbledon title with back-to-back wins.

Thus, within three years, the versatile Spanish warrior Alcaraz has captured four Grand Slam titles. Only the Australian Open remains, and with that victory, he would join the legendary predecessors as the ninth man in tennis history to complete the career Grand Slam.

At the 2025 Australian Open, Alcaraz made his first attempt at the career Grand Slam. Unfortunately, despite winning the first set in the quarterfinals, he lost the next three sets and was upset by the ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic, who was playing through injury, ending Alcaraz’s run for the title. However, Alcaraz turned his disappointment into strength, subsequently winning the French Open and US Open, reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking.

The 2026 Australian Open is currently underway, marking Alcaraz’s second attempt at the career Grand Slam. His pursuit is extraordinary! If Alcaraz overcomes the challenges and ultimately wins the Australian Open, he will become the ninth man in tennis history to hold all four major titles. At 22 years and 8 months old, he would surpass Donald Budge, who achieved the career Grand Slam at 22 years and 11 months in 1938, becoming the youngest male player ever to accomplish this feat.

However, Alcaraz’s journey toward greatness is fraught with difficulties and hardships. His seven-year collaboration with coach Ferrero ended late last year, which may affect his form and confidence. Consecutive exits in the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025 might also create psychological hurdles, potentially shaking his resolve at crucial moments. Additionally, the 38-year-old ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic remains fiercely competitive, determined to fight for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title in men’s tennis. Furthermore, two-time defending Australian Open champion and rising Italian star Sinner will surely give his all to achieve a historic three-peat at the tournament.