Carlos Alcaraz's dominant victory over Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, securing a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) score, marked his fourth Grand Slam win, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of men's tennis. The charismatic Spaniard has now won three out of the last five major tournaments, joining the elite company of Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, and Mats Wilander as the only players to win four majors before turning 21. This feat surpasses even Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, who together amassed 66 Grand Slam titles during their illustrious careers.
Alcaraz's coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, had once boldly predicted that his protégé would win 30 Grand Slams. With four already under his belt, Alcaraz has a substantial lead. Djokovic, despite his 24 Grand Slam victories, had to wait three years after his first win at the 2008 Australian Open to claim his second. Federer, who retired with 20 Grand Slams, won his first Wimbledon title at 21, while Nadal, with 22 majors, had three French Open titles by that age. Alcaraz's Grand Slam victories include the 2022 US Open, the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon titles, and his recent win at the French Open.
Alcaraz remains undefeated in Grand Slam finals and is only the sixth man to win both Roland Garros and Wimbledon consecutively. His victory in Paris made him the youngest player to win majors on all three surfaces—clay, hard, and grass—before his 22nd birthday next May. Should he win in Australia, he would surpass Nadal as the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Eurosport's Mats Wilander commented on Alcaraz's impact, comparing him to Federer, not just in terms of statistics but in his influence on the sport. The emerging rivalry between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the tall Italian who dethroned Djokovic as world number one, is also noteworthy. Alcaraz, who is 21 months younger, holds a 5-4 head-to-head record against Sinner, including a notable victory in the Roland Garros semifinals.
Alcaraz's coach praised his adaptability, highlighting his ability to switch from clay to grass. Hailing from the small town of El Palmar in Spain, Alcaraz made a significant impact in 2022 by defeating both Nadal and Djokovic at the Madrid Open. Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, noted Alcaraz's exceptional intensity and speed, comparing his relentless style to that of his nephew.
Rafael Nadal, who will partner with Alcaraz in the doubles at the Paris Olympics, has mentored him and urged fans not to pressure him with lofty comparisons. Despite Nadal's caution, comparisons are inevitable. Both Alcaraz and Nadal value their privacy and enjoy strong fan support. Alcaraz's competitive nature extends beyond tennis, as he dislikes losing in any game.
As a teenager, Alcaraz quickly gained sponsors like Nike and Rolex, and his recent win boosted his career earnings to $35 million. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios believes that if Alcaraz remains healthy, he will be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
