Carlos Alcaraz continues to shape his identity on the Tour. This time, he is doing so by stepping away from one of Novak Djokovic's defining drafts - extraordinary longevity.
At 22, the Spaniard is already chasing the sport's ultimate records, having become the second-youngest six-time Major winner following his US Open triumph in September.
While dreaming about entering the GOAT race, Carlos admits he has no intention of extending his career deep into his late thirties. Unike Djokovic, Alcaraz sees his future unfolding at a different pace.
At 38, Novak wrapped up another year-end top-4 season, redefining what is physically possible and writing age records. For the El Palmar native, the priority is impact, not duration.
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Carlos wants to push his body, his tennis and his legacy while he is young, fresh and capable of producing his most explosive level. At the moment, that pace keeps him in the GOAT calculations.
The idea of grinding year-round on the Tour well into his late thirties does not appeal to him. Instead, Alcaraz envisions a career built on intense, high-quality seasons followed by a graceful exit while still in his prime.
This mindset offers a sharp contrast to Djokovic's model of sustained dominance. The Serb enjoyed a stellar run in 2023 at 36, having reached all four Major finals and winning three titles.
While struggling against his younger opponents in the previous two years, Novak is still a contender on the most notable tennis stage. He relies on durability, discipline and unmatched physical management.
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On the other hand, Carlos is preparing to chase similar milestones through peak performance rather than longevity. At 22, he already has four straight years with a Major title, hoping to extend that run in 2026.
In short, he hopes to pack as many achievements as possible into a shorter timeframe, and he is doing more than fine so far. The Spaniard wants to seize greatness early, enjoy the ride and one day leave the sport on his terms.
The Spaniard will chase the ultimate tennis glory atthe Australian Open, trying to become the youngest winner of a Career Grand Slam and pass his compatriot, Rafael Nadal.
"I do not see myself playing until I'm 38. I will take one year at a time and see how far I go," Carlos Alcaraz said.
