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Can Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest tennis player to win a career grand slam?

Can Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest tennis player to win a career grand slam?

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By: Dan Johnson

In an unforgettable French Open 2025 men’s final, Carlos Alcaraz cemented his place in history, overcoming Jannik Sinner in a marathon 6-4, 7-6, 4-6, 6-7, 7-6 (10-2) victory. This five-hour thriller marked the longest final in Roland-Garros history, and Alcaraz’s resilience—particularly in the final tiebreak—secured his fifth Grand Slam title, tying him with legends Rod Laver and John McEnroe for fifth on the all-time list after their first 17 appearances. At just 22 years and 34 days, Alcaraz became the third-youngest player to win five majors, trailing only Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal.

To put it into perspective just how crazy-unlikely it was for Alcaraz to come back, DraftKings Sportsbook had his live odds for winning the match at Sinner’s match point were +6500.

Alcaraz vs. Sinner recap

Alcaraz’s composure in the clutch was evident throughout, even as Sinner fought off match points to force a fifth set. With his victory, Alcaraz extended his dominance in five-set matches to an impressive 13-1. Meanwhile, Sinner, who has yet to win a match past the four-hour mark, ultimately fell short despite an early lead and multiple championship points in the fourth set.

This final was a classic showdown between two of the brightest stars of the 2000s generation. Alcaraz, now 2-0 in Grand Slam finals, has built a reputation for performing under pressure, claiming titles at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. With his recent success, he’s well on track to become the youngest player in history to win multiple Grand Slam titles, a feat that would further separate him from the pack as one of the greatest talents tennis has ever seen.

While Sinner came into this final aiming for his third consecutive major title, this loss marks the end of his streak after victories at the 2024 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open. Alcaraz’s victory not only denied Sinner his third title, but also solidified Alcaraz as a player capable of conquering any stage, a trait that could see him continue to break records for years to come.

He is one of the only legendary tennis pros ever to win a grand slam after being down two sets. Absolutely platinum company.

Can Carlos Alcaraz still become the youngest tennis pro ever to win a career Grand Slam?

Indeed! However, Carlos Alcaraz has yet to claim the elusive Australian Open title. That’s the key missing piece in his Grand Slam resume. Despite dominating at the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland-Garros, the hard courts of Melbourne have proven challenging for the Spaniard. His rapid rise has been meteoric, but the Australian Open has historically featured fierce competition, with Novak Djokovic’s record-setting success in Melbourne looming large.

Alcaraz’s strengths—clay and grass—have often outshined his hard-court game, though his overall adaptability makes him a major threat. Minor injury setbacks have also hindered his Australian Open runs, but at just 22, Alcaraz’s trajectory remains upward. With the right blend of fitness and focus, he’s poised to finally tackle the challenge. For now, the Australian Open stands as the final frontier in what promises to be a career Grand Slam for the young phenom.

When is Alcaraz’s next opportunity to win the career Grand Slam?

Carlos Alcaraz’s next opportunity to complete a career Grand Slam will be at the 2026 Australian Open, scheduled from January 18 to February 2, 2026, in Melbourne.

After a quarterfinal exit in 2025, Alcaraz is expected to return with renewed determination. His comeback earlier today leaves no question as to his resilience and readiness for future challenges, even against the big, bad Djokovic. Alcaraz’s current boogeyman.

With a 5-0 record in Grand Slam finals, Alcaraz’s confidence is high. After the win against Sinner earlier today, his momentum is meteoric. As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, all eyes will be on him as he aims to secure the elusive title and complete his career Grand Slam.

Currently, Rafael Nadal holds that record; he won the career Grand Slam at 24 Years, 102 Days old. Alcaraz, again, currently only 22 years and 34 days old, would also have an opportunity to secure this record at the 2027 Australian Open.

Dan Johnson has been an editor, writer, and analyst for DraftKings and DraftKings Network since 2024. He’s previously held editorial posts at The Paris Review, Macmillan Publishers, Bedford/St. Martin’s Press, ASSIGNMENT Magazine, and FantasySixPack. You can find his various editorial work & writing (sports-related and non-) at all of the above.
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