By the Numbers: Inside Alcaraz’s Latest Grand Slam Masterpiece

The torch hasn’t just been passed; it has been seized in historic fashion at Rod Laver Arena. By defeating Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s epic final, Carlos Alcaraz has become the youngest man in history to complete the coveted career Grand Slam (winning all four majors at least once), summiting all four peaks of the tennis world at age 22. The 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory marks Alcaraz’s seventh major title first at the Australian Open. 

Youngest Man to Complete the Career Grand Slam

At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man in history to win the title at all four majors. He breaks an 87-year-old record held by Don Budge, who was 22 years and 363 days old when he completed his Career Grand Slam at the 1938 French Championships.

Sixth Men’s Player to Complete the Career Grand Slam in the Open Era

He joins an elite group of only five other legends who have achieved this feat since 1968: Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Winner of the Longest Australian Open Semifinal on Record

Clocking in at 5 hours and 27 minutes, Alcaraz’s five-set victory against Alexander Zverev on Friday was the longest semifinal in the tournament’s history. It also ranks as the third-longest Australian Open match ever, trailing only the 2012 Djokovic-Nadal final (5h 53m) and the 2023 Murray-Kokkinakis second-round marathon (5h 45m).

Tied for Ninth on the All-Time Open Era Titles List

With his seventh major, Alcaraz ties John McEnroe and Mats Wilander for ninth place on the Open Era men’s singles Grand Slam title list. He now sits just one behind Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, and Ivan Lendl, who share sixth place with eight titles each.

Youngest Man to Win Seven Major Singles Titles

Alcaraz is now the youngest player in the Open Era to reach seven Grand Slam titles. He surpasses Björn Borg, who secured his seventh major at 1979 Roland Garros at the age of 23 years and 4 days.

Open Era Record for Consecutive Five-Set Wins

Alcaraz has now won 15 of the 16 five-set matches he has contested at tour-level, including 12 in a row. By winning his 12th consecutive five-setter against Zverev in the semifinals, he equaled the Open Era record for the longest tour-level five-set winning streak—a mark set by Björn Borg between 1976 and 1980.

The Alcaraz-Sinner Era of Dominance

Either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner has won each of the last nine men’s singles major titles, a streak beginning at the start of 2024. In that span, Alcaraz has claimed five titles and Sinner four. They are closing in on the all-time record for a duo: Federer and Nadal won 11 consecutive majors between 2005 and 2007.

Elite Success Rate in Grand Slam Finals

Alcaraz’s record in Grand Slam finals is a staggering 7–1. Furthermore, he has won five of the last eight Grand Slam draws he has entered, coming up short only at the 2024 US Open, 2025 Australian Open, and 2025 Wimbledon in that span.

Success Against the Greatest of All Time

Alcaraz is now one of only four players to have earned at least four wins over Novak Djokovic at the majors. He joins an exclusive list featuring Rafael Nadal (11), Roger Federer (6), and Stan Wawrinka (4).