With 24 titles in his arsenal – including six Grand Slam singles trophies – Carlos Alcaraz is no stranger to success.
At just 22 years old, the Spaniard is racking up accolades at such a rate that it’s generated early-career comparisons with legends such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
The 2025 season was unforgettable for Alcaraz, who pocketed two Grand Slam singles titles at US Open and Roland Garros, eight titles overall – he reached nine consecutive finals between April and September – and won a career-best 71 matches in a single season, from 80 overall.
Focusing in particular on his recent US Open success – on hard courts which share some similarities with the Australian Open’s – will mean Alcaraz’ hopes are high that he can finally go all the way at Melbourne Park.
Already with major triumphs in Paris, London and New York, all that’s missing from his collection is the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Should he hoist it, he would become the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam.
“[The main] thing for me is Grand Slams, try to win as much Grand Slams as I can. That's my main goal,” said Alcaraz, who is yet to go beyond the quarterfinals at the Australian Open.
“I think [the AO is] going to be great. It's my first goal, to be honest. When I just go to the pre-seasons to what I want to improve, what I want to achieve, Australian Open is there. It's the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a career Grand Slam, calendar Grand Slam.
“I just wanted to complete it. Obviously I'm going to try to do it next year, but if it is not next year, hopefully in two and three and four.”
Standing in his way could be arch rival Jannik Sinner, whom Alcaraz beat in both the Roland Garros and US Open finals – extending what has become the most compelling rivalry in the sport’s current era.
The final in Paris proved to be a gruelling battle, a five-set extravaganza lasting five hours and 29 minutes and going down as the longest final – and one of the greatest – played at the claycourt major. There, Alcaraz proved his prowess through determination and fighting spirit, recovering from two-sets-to-love down and saving three championship points to win 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(2).
“Just really grateful for that [rivalry] because it gives me the opportunity to give my 100 per cent every practice, every day,” said Alcaraz of Sinner, who will be going for his third consecutive AO title in January.
“The level that I have to maintain and I have to raise if I want to beat Jannik is really high.”
A further three ATP Masters 1000 titles, in Monte Carlo, Rome and Cincinnati, helped Alcaraz snatch the top ranking from Sinner and he capped the season as ATP year-end No.1, a notch in his belt in the ongoing ‘Sincaraz’ rivalry.
On the high playing level Alcaraz referenced? You could see it throughout all facets of his game in 2025, which proved particularly consistent.
His formidable forehand, known to reach speeds of up to 164 kilometres per hour and which he can hit both flat and with heavy topspin, was a decisive weapon. And he was just as dangerous at the net, an all-court combination that forced opponents to be operating on all cylinders – and which frequently overwhelmed them.
“You hit great shots, running forehand, dropshots, volley, serve and volley. Everything that you want to do, you feel like it's going to be right,” Alcaraz enthused at Australian Open 2025. “That's the most [satisfying] thing for me.”
It’s a style of play carefully crafted since he began playing when he was just four years old. Growing up, his idol was countryman Rafael Nadal, and much like the tennis legend, who won 14 Roland Garros titles across his career, Alcaraz also thrives on clay. Furthermore, when looking at Alcaraz’s career trajectory, it echoes that of Nadal’s, who also secured six Grand Slam titles prior to his 23rd birthday.
His Roland Garros win marked Alcaraz’ fifth Slam title. “Honestly, the coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam in the same age as Rafa Nadal, I'm going to say that's destiny,” he said at the time. “I mean, it is a stat that I'm going to keep [with] me forever, winning the fifth Grand Slam at the same time as Rafa, my idol, my inspiration. It's a huge honour honestly.”
Nadal also won two Australian Open titles, and if Alcaraz continues following in the footsteps of his idol, it’s only a matter of time before he secures the AO title for himself.
It’s the tournament where Alcaraz first qualified for a Grand Slam, in 2021, and despite his superstar status, he remains as down-to-earth as when he first made that major breakthrough nearly five years ago.
It’s little wonder he has such a sizeable fan base rallying behind him; as a fan, there’s nothing more appealing than a humble hero, and with his strong family values and friendly demeanour – especially with fellow players – Alcaraz certainly fits that mould.
His passion for the sport is palpable; wearing his heart on his sleeve, it’s easy to read his every emotion, from ecstasy to despair, as the match progresses. This authenticity particularly resonates with Australian fans, who are guaranteed to get behind the young player and bolster him throughout his Australian Open quest.
During the 2025 season, Alcaraz raised the bar – something he could move even higher with an historic victory at Australian Open 2026.