Historic Australian Open win elevates Carlos Alcaraz into all-time great debate
Carlos Alcaraz has already put himself in the mix to be considered one of the greatest tennis players of all-time after his historic win at the Australian Open, and what comes might not amuse Novak Djokovic fans.
The world No.1 beat the great Djokovic in four sets to become the young male player in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam on Sunday, February 1, as he added the title in Melbourne to his wins at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open to become only the ninth player in the history of the sport to achieve that feat.
His seventh Grand Slam moved him ahead of tennis legends Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg on the all-time list and level with the great John McEnroe. But Alcaraz will have his sights set much higher now.
Rusedski backs Alcaraz to challenge Djokovic’s career landmark
The 22-year-old has already suggested he wants to target Djokovic’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam wins, and according to former British No.1 Greg Rusedski, Alcaraz will get very close to that mark if he can avoid injuries.
“If he gets another one or two more Grand Slams this year, he’s at eight or nine and then he can go for more,” said Rusedski on the latest episode of the Off Court with Greg podcast.
“He’s the No.1 player on the planet. He’s won his first Australian Open seventh major, something he’s never done before.
“Alcaraz will now be the favourite for every Grand Slam he plays in, so he’s going from strength to strength. It’s been a fantastic Australian Open and start to the year for him.
“So I don’t see any reason why, if he stays healthy, he can't get to 20 Grand Slams. To get beyond 20 plus, that’s a different beast.
“Health is your wealth. You have to be healthy and you have to be dominant over usually a 10-year period to achieve those things.”
Rusedski went on to salute the positive impact Alcaraz is having on the sport, after suggesting his wife, Lucy, was enchanted by his performance.
“What a breath of fresh air,” added the 1997 US Open runner-up. “My wife watched the Australian Open final with and said, ‘he's a great looking guy. Good biceps there!’ He has the old Rafa (Nadal) shirt...people loved him just because of his personality. He's got an unbelievable look. He's a good family guy as well, still living at home. So he is great for tennis.”
Sustained dominance could bring Djokovic’s total within reach
Djokovic’s record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles ensured he finished ahead of his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the all-time list of major title winners, but could Alcaraz get close to eclipsing that?
After winning seven in double quick time, Alcaraz could move his Grand Slam count into double figures over the next couple of years.
And if he was to stay fit and maintain his current levels for a decade, he would have a big chance to get close to Djokovic’s total.
New champions will inevitably emerge during that time, and Alcaraz will face a constant threat from his big rival Jannik Sinner.
However, the Carlos train is rolling at high speed, and it’s going to take a lot of stopping.
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Feature image credit: Riyadh Season
