Carlos Alcaraz Eyes Career Grand Slam as Jannik Sinner Defends Australian Open Crown

Posted : 14 January 2026

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is setting his sights on achieving a career Grand Slam at the upcoming Australian Open, a feat that has so far eluded him. At just 22 years old, Alcaraz already boasts six major titles, but success at Melbourne Park remains a missing piece in his remarkable resume. In four previous trips, he has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals, falling to Novak Djokovic in 2025 and Alexander Zverev the year before.

“It’s my first goal, to be honest,” Alcaraz said after winning the US Open last year, his second major of 2025 following a successful defense at Roland Garros. “When I go into pre-season, I focus on what I want to improve and achieve.

The Australian Open is always part of that.” Should he claim the title in Melbourne, Alcaraz would become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, surpassing retired compatriot Rafael Nadal, who achieved the feat by age 24.

A major hurdle lies in the form of Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion from Italy. The 24-year-old could make history himself by winning three consecutive Australian Open titles, joining Djokovic as the only men in the Open era to achieve such a streak.

Sinner enters the tournament with confidence after finishing 2025 with 58 wins against only six losses. “I feel like a better player than last year,” he said, reflecting on his growth and learning from previous defeats.

The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner has intensified, with the Spaniard leading their head-to-head 10-6. The pair recently faced off in a light-hearted exhibition match in South Korea, with Alcaraz emerging victorious.

Their dominance, dubbed “Sincaraz”, has been clear, as they have claimed the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, four each since Djokovic’s 24th major at the 2023 US Open.

Novak Djokovic returns to Melbourne aiming for his record 25th major, though questions remain over his form and fitness after withdrawing from the Adelaide International. At 38, the Serbian legend may be contesting his final Australian Open, adding urgency to his pursuit of another title at his most successful tournament.

The field is deep, with Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur, and Felix Auger-Aliassime all targeting their first major. Former three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev is a dark horse following his Brisbane International triumph, while young talents such as Learner Tien, Jakub Mensik, and Joao Fonseca aim to make their mark. Alexander Bublik, fresh from a Hong Kong Open win and a top-10 breakthrough, could also be a dangerous contender.

As the Australian Open begins, the tournament promises high drama, with Alcaraz chasing history, Sinner defending his crown, and Djokovic attempting to extend his legendary Melbourne record—all amid a new wave of emerging stars eager to claim their first major.

Carlos Alcaraz Eyes Career Grand Slam as Jannik Sinner Defends Australian Open Crown

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