Carlos Alcaraz is putting together a remarkable tennis career at just 22, already making a strong case as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The Spanish star recently became the youngest player in men’s singles history to complete the career Grand Slam, defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
He now has seven Grand Slam trophies to his name, matching John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
What makes it even more impressive is that he reached seven Slams faster than anyone else, surpassing legends like Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in terms of age when they reached that mark.
Nadal finished his career with 22 majors, retiring in 2024. When asked if he already sees Alcaraz as a tennis ‘legend’, here is what he had to say.
Rafael Nadal claims Carlos Alcaraz has already earned legend status
During the launch of the Spin and Swing project by the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Cantabria Labs, Nadal addressed Patrick Mouratoglou’s recent remarks about Novak Djokovic, suggesting they were off the mark.
He also spoke about Alcaraz’s rise in the sport.
“He’s [Alcaraz] not a prospect. He has 7 Slams so he’s definitely not just a promise for the future. He’s already a legend,” the Spaniard began by saying.
“If you look at the historic greats in Slams there aren’t many who have 7. Calling him a prospect makes no sense.”
Nadal is not alone in this view either, as Alcaraz continues to add to his impressive list of achievements at such a young age.
Of course, some will argue it’s still too early to use that kind of label for someone so early into their career. But it feels less debatable with each passing milestone.
The numbers speak for themselves: no one in men’s tennis history has matched what Alcaraz has done by age 22.
How many Grand Slams did Rafael Nadal win before turning 23?
Nadal claimed six Grand Slam titles before his 23rd birthday, one fewer than Alcaraz.
His first came at the 2005 French Open when he was just 18, followed by three more Roland Garros titles in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Nadal’s sixth Slam was the first of his two Australian Open titles in 2009 – where he beat Federer once again over five sets.
In contrast, Alcaraz has already won the French Open and Wimbledon twice each, alongside two US Open crowns and one Australian Open title.