Alcaraz Sets Sights on Achieving Career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz has stated that his main goal is to win next year’s Australian Open, which would complete his career Grand Slam after he secured his sixth major title in New York on Sunday.

Alcaraz says completing career Slam his 'first goal' — Alcaraz says completing career Slam his ‘first goal’

Alcaraz defeated his main rival, Jannik Sinner, with scores of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to clinch his second US Open title. He has an opportunity to become the youngest man to win all four major titles if he triumphs in Melbourne next January.

“Honestly, it’s my first goal,” stated 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals in his four visits to Australia.

“During the preseasons, I focus on what I want to improve and achieve, and the Australian Open is always there.

“It’s either the first or second tournament of the year, making it my primary aim to complete a career Grand Slam and even a calendar Grand Slam. So, that would be incredible.”

Alcaraz’s fellow countryman, Rafael Nadal, holds the record as the youngest male to win all four majors, achieving this milestone at the age of 24 in 2010, with his first US Open victory.

“Obviously, I aim to achieve this next year, but if not then, hopefully in the following years. I’ll persist in trying to complete it,” said Alcaraz.

Alcaraz is set to reclaim the world number one ranking from Sinner on Monday, marking his return to the top of men’s tennis for the first time since September 2023.

“Achieving the goals I set at the start of the year feels incredible,” expressed Alcaraz.

“When I had the opportunity to regain the number one spot, it became one of my primary goals for the season—to try to recover the number one position as quickly as possible or finish the year as number one.

“For me, accomplishing this again is a dream. Achieving it on the same day as winning another Grand Slam makes it even more special.”

Alcaraz only dropped one set during the tournament, continuing his recent dominance over Sinner and avenging his loss to the Italian in the Wimbledon final.

“Today’s performance was flawless,” remarked Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Alcaraz and Sinner lead the current generation in tennis, having claimed eight of the last major titles and ten of the last thirteen. Novak Djokovic has secured the remaining three.

Ferrero recognizes that Alcaraz has the talent to win many more titles in the future but emphasizes the importance of continued hard work.

“The potential for many titles and Grand Slams is present, but nothing can be taken for granted. It’s not automatic; you have to work for it,” advised Ferrero.

“I don’t think too far ahead. There’s no point in speculating about Carlos winning 20 Grand Slams; each day must be taken as it comes.

“At 22 years old, Carlos is far from perfect and has many areas to improve.”

mw/rcw

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