ATP Tour

How Alcaraz, Nadal combined to make Spanish history

Carlos Alcaraz added another golden chapter to Spanish tennis history on Sunday, when he lifted the Australian Open trophy to complete the Career Grand Slam and join Rafael Nadal in one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs.

With his triumph in Melbourne, the 22-year-old became the second Spanish man to win the Australian Open men’s singles title, following Nadal’s victories in 2009 and 2022. More significantly, Spain became the only country in the Open Era to have produced two men who have won the Career Grand Slam, with Alcaraz joining fellow ATP No. 1 Club member Nadal in the history books.

The Career Grand Slam has been achieved by only a select group of players in men’s tennis. Alongside Alcaraz and Nadal, the list includes Switzerland's Roger Federer, Serbian Novak Djokovic, American Andre Agassi and Australian Rod Laver.

*Laver completed the Career Grand Slam as an amateur in 1962, and in the Open Era in 1969

The occasion was even more special with Nadal in the stands at Melbourne Park. It marked the first time the 22-time major champion had attended the Australian Open since his last appearance at the major in 2023, offering a rare opportunity for him to watch his countryman compete on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

“For me it’s a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. I think it’s the first time [he has watched me play] professionally, if I’m not wrong,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. “I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old, so it’s been a long time. It’s such an honour playing in front of you. We had great battles on the court… Now seeing you watch my match, it’s just a privilege.”

Nadal completed his own Career Grand Slam at the 2010 US Open, aged 24 years and 88 days, becoming the first Spanish man to achieve the feat. More than 15 years later, Alcaraz followed the same path.

Alcaraz, who was making his 20th major appearance, improved to 7-1 in Grand Slam finals. He has won each of the other three majors (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open) twice. The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings is the youngest male in the Open Era to win seven major singles titles. Alcaraz is now level with Djokovic at 5-5 in the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head series and is the 12th player to have defeated the Serbian on five or more occasions.