Alcaraz Completes Career Grand Slam, Wins Seventh Major at Australian Open
Updated (4 articles)
Alcaraz Beats Djokovic to Capture Australian Open On 1 February 2026, 22‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. The win gave him his seventh major title. By securing all four Grand Slam trophies, he completed a career Grand Slam. The victory came despite being the underdog and after a grueling semi‑final against Alexander Zverev that left him with full‑body cramps. [1]
Youngest Man Ever to Achieve Career Grand Slam Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to win each of the four majors. He achieved the feat at age 22, surpassing previous records. The Australian Open title also marked his seventh Grand Slam overall. [1]
Coaching Partnership with Ferrero Ends Prior to Victory Alcaraz and longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero mutually ended their partnership at the end of 2025. The split occurred just weeks before the Melbourne tournament. Despite the separation, Alcaraz’s family and support team remained closely involved during his run. [1]
Rapid Rise Through Futures, Challenger, and ATP Ranks He first picked up a racquet at age four and was known for temperamental outbursts, including racquet smashing. IMG agent Albert Molina spotted the 11‑year‑old at a Futures event and arranged for Ferrero to observe him. Alcaraz debuted on the Challenger circuit at 15 in 2019, becoming the first player born in 2003 to win at that level. He entered the ATP Tour in 2020 at the Rio Open, upset Albert Ramos Vinolas, and later captured majors at the 2021 US Open, 2022 French Open, and 2023 Wimbledon. [1]
Playing Philosophy Praised as “Happy Tennis” In a 2023 TNT Players Voice interview, Alcaraz described his approach as “happy tennis.” Former champion Andre Agassi praised his touch, coverage, and spin, likening him to Federer, Novak, and Nadal. Peers consistently note his blend of bravery, daring, and joyful shot‑making. [1]
Timeline
2019 – Alcaraz debuts on the Challenger circuit at age 15, becoming the first player born in 2003 to win at that level and signaling a rapid ascent toward the ATP Tour. [1]
Feb 2020 – He makes his ATP Tour debut at the Rio Open, upsetting Albert Ramos Vinolas and proving he can compete with established pros. [1]
Sep 2021 – Alcaraz captures his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, becoming the youngest male champion in a decade and launching his major‑winning trajectory. [1]
May 2022 – He wins the French Open, adding a second distinct major and confirming his versatility on clay. [1]
Jul 2023 – Alcaraz triumphs at Wimbledon, completing a trio of different surfaces and cementing his status as an all‑court player. [1]
2024 – He hires former player Samuel Lopez to assist Juan Carlos Ferrero, expanding his coaching team; the duo later shares the ATP Coaches of the Year award. [3]
2024 – A documentary released that year shows growing tension between Alcaraz and Ferrero, hinting at possible future changes in their partnership. [2]
Sep 2025 – Ferrero publicly praises Alcaraz’s maturity after the US Open, underscoring a strong yet increasingly strained relationship. [2]
Dec 2025 – Alcaraz finishes the season as world No. 1 after winning the ATP Finals with Ferrero present, reinforcing his dominance heading into 2026. [2]
Dec 17, 2025 – Alcaraz posts on social media that he and Juan Carlos Ferrero will part ways after more than seven years together, ending a partnership that yields six Grand Slam titles and 24 tour‑level victories. [3]
Dec 17, 2025 – In a separate interview, Alcaraz calls the split a “shock,” offers no public reason, confirms his goal of completing the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, and indicates Samuel Lopez will remain on staff. [2]
Dec 2025 – The ATP honors Ferrero and Lopez as Coaches of the Year for guiding Alcaraz to a career‑best 71 wins, a second French Open and US Open title, and a reclaimed No. 1 ranking. [3]
Jan 7, 2026 – Todd Woodbridge warns that losing Ferrero removes Alcaraz’s “security blanket,” stresses the pressure to win the Australian Open for a career Grand Slam, and names Jannik Sinner as his biggest rival. [4]
Jan 18, 2026 – The Australian Open opens, with Alcaraz entering as the defending world No. 1 and favorite to complete the career Grand Slam, while the Alcaraz‑Sinner rivalry draws heightened attention. [4]
Jan 30, 2026 – Alcaraz defeats Alex de Minaur in the quarter‑final and battles Alexander Zverev in the semi‑final, enduring full‑body cramps but advancing to the championship match. [1]
Feb 1, 2026 – Alcaraz overcomes Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, becoming the youngest man ever to achieve a career Grand Slam and securing his seventh major title, just weeks after ending his long‑time coaching relationship with Ferrero. [1]
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External resources (3 links)
- https://www.atptour.com/en/news/how-carlos-alcaraz-has-built-a-winning-team (cited 1 times)
- https://www.tntsports.co.uk/tennis/players-voice-carlos-alcaraz-i-want-to-be-one-of-the-best-men-s-tennis-players-in-history_sto9520201/story.shtml (cited 1 times)
- https://www.vogue.com/article/carlos-alcaraz-tennis-profile-2023 (cited 1 times)