Carlos Alcaraz has transformed tennis with his explosive talent and fearless approach, emerging as the sport’s leading figure at just 22 years old. Born in El Palmar, Murcia, in 2003, he turned professional in 2018 and has since collected 25 ATP titles, including seven Grand Slam singles crowns.
His latest triumph at the 2026 Australian Open made him the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. Alcaraz holds the world No. 1 ranking, a position he first claimed at 19, and enters the Doha final on February 21 unbeaten this year at 11-0.
His rivalry with Jannik Sinner has injected fresh energy into the game, while his Olympic silver from Paris 2024 adds to a resume that already outpaces legends at his age.
Career Overview
Alcaraz grew up in a tennis family, starting at age four under his father’s guidance at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo in Murcia. He joined Juan Carlos Ferrero’s academy at 15, turning pro a year later.
His breakthrough came in 2020 with his ATP debut at the Rio Open, where he notched his first win as the first player born in 2003 to do so. By 2021, he claimed his maiden ATP title at Umag and reached the US Open quarterfinals, upsetting Stefanos Tsitsipas.
In 2022, Alcaraz surged to prominence, winning five titles including his first Grand Slam at the US Open, defeating Casper Ruud in the final. That victory made him the youngest world No. 1 ever at 19 years and 130 days, and he finished the year as the top-ranked player. He added Masters 1000 wins in Miami and Madrid, becoming the youngest champion at both.
The following years solidified his status. In 2023, he captured Wimbledon, ending Djokovic’s four-year reign there in a five-set classic. He defended that title in 2024 while adding the French Open, becoming the youngest man to win majors on all three surfaces.
In 2025, he repeated at Roland Garros and the US Open, both times over Sinner in epic finals, and secured year-end No. 1 again with eight titles. He split with Ferrero in late 2025 and now works with Samuel López.
Alcaraz’s career stands at 291-65 in singles, with over $62 million in prize money, fifth all-time. He has eight Masters 1000 titles and has led Spain in Davis Cup play. Off the court, he supports youth programs through his foundation and has endorsement deals that reflect his global appeal.
As of now, he’s into the Doha final against Arthur Fils, extending his perfect season start after his Australian Open success.
Playing Style
Alcaraz thrives as an aggressive baseliner who dictates points with raw power and precision. His forehand, hit with a straight arm, generates heavy topspin or flat drives that overwhelm opponents. The two-handed backhand is flatter and reliable, allowing him to redirect balls with speed. His return stands out—he breaks nearly a third of service games, pressuring even the strongest servers.
Speed and athleticism define his defense; he covers the court with explosive movement, sliding into shots and turning rallies in his favor. Drop shots are a weapon, often disguised and pinpoint, earning praise as among the best ever. He mixes in net play with sharp volleys and has improved his serve to average 115-120 mph, peaking at 135 mph, though placement remains a focus.
Mentally, Alcaraz stays composed in big moments, drawing from idols like Nadal and Djokovic. His all-court game adapts to any surface, blending attack and defense into what peers call “total tennis.” High winner counts come with errors, but his creativity—lobs, tweeners, and highlight-reel points—makes him a crowd favorite.
Grand Slam Record
Alcaraz’s seven Grand Slam titles highlight his rapid ascent, with a 91-13 match record and an 88% win rate across 20 appearances. He has reached eight finals, going 7-1, and is unbeaten in his first five major championship matches, second only to Roger Federer.
The Australian Open yielded his seventh major in 2026, defeating Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to complete the Career Grand Slam at 22 years and 272 days, the youngest ever. He has 18-4 there overall.
At the French Open, he has two wins (2024, 2025), with a 25-3 record. The 2025 final against Sinner lasted 5 hours and 29 minutes—the longest ever—and saw him rally from two sets down while saving three match points.
Wimbledon brought two titles (2023, 2024) and a 2025 runner-up to Sinner, for a 24-3 mark. His 2023 upset of Djokovic ended a long streak, and in 2024, he achieved the Channel Slam (French Open and Wimbledon in the same year), the youngest at 21 years and 70 days.
The US Open delivered two crowns (2022, 2025), with 24-3. His 2022 run included saving match points against Sinner in the quarterfinals, the latest-finishing match in tournament history.
Alcaraz is the youngest to win multiple majors on each surface and the first to triumph in his debut final at all four Slams. His five-set record is 15-1, unbeaten since 2022.
Career Milestones
Alcaraz’s records reflect his precocity. He became the youngest ATP 500 winner at the 2022 Rio Open (18 years, 292 days) and the youngest Miami Open champion (18 years, 333 days). In Madrid 2022, he was the first to beat Nadal and Djokovic in the same clay event.
He claimed the youngest world No. 1 spot in 2022 and was the youngest year-end No. 1. In 2024, he won the French Open to become the youngest with Slams on clay, grass, and hard. His 2025 French Open comeback marked the first major final rally from 0-2 sets and three match points since 1927.
Alcaraz earned Olympic silver in 2024, the youngest men’s singles finalist at 21 years and 89 days. He has 250 ATP wins by 2025 and is the first with ATP 500 titles on all surfaces. In 2025, he topped 12,000 ranking points in a season, fifth all-time.
His rivalries, especially with Sinner (whom he beat in three major finals), signal a new era. Alcaraz has participated in exhibitions like the 6 Kings Slam, reaching finals in 2024 and 2025. These accomplishments position him as a potential all-time great, with more history likely ahead.
