Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up for one of the most meaningful campaigns on his young career. World no. 1 will make a renewed assault on the Australia Open and chase ultimate tennis history.
The 22-year-old will arrive at the Melbourne Park with a clear target in mind - capturing the only Major missing from his rich collection and becoming the youngest player to compete the Career Grand Slam.
The challenge, however, is not a simple one. Australian Open is Carlos' least favorite Major in terms of results, having yet to reach his first semi-final following this year's quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic.
In addition, the first Major of the season takes place in the opening weeks of the new season, with Carlos and other players still rediscovering their competitive edge after the off-season reset.
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The Spaniard has yet to master that obstacle and provide his A-game Down Under. That timing has always added an extra layer of difficulty to his Melbourne ambitions, especially after usually kicking off the season in Melbourne.
At the moment, Alcaraz does not want to change that pattern and add some ATP 250 event to his early schedule. Despite the obstacles, Carlos heads into January fueled by motivation and confidence.
His rivalry with Jannik Sinner remains one of the sport's defining storylines. Melbourne offers the perfect stage for another chapter, with the Italian seeking his third consecutive Australian Open trophy.
Dethroning him is a formidable task, especially after his recent form. However, the Spaniard is prepared to throw everything at the mission as he seeks a statement start to 2026 at the most important tournament of the season.
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Armed with six Major crowns, the ATP throne and a game built for the biggest occasions, Alcaraz steps into the new season with clarity. The Australian Open is the next mountain, and he wants to conquer its highest peak badly.
In less than two months, the journey toward a historic career milestone begins again. The target? Rafael Nadal's Career Grand Slam achieved at 24. As with other records, Carlos wants to smash it and stand at the top.
"Chasing the Career Grand Slam is a big goal. I'm looking forward to winning the Australian Open one day, and I'm really excited about it. It comes at the beginning of the season, and it's usually my first tournament in the new year.
We still lack competitive rhythm in those early stages, which makes the title chase tricky," Carlos Alcaraz said.
