Carlos Alcaraz Completes Career Grand Slam, Dominates 2026 Season

DOHA (Azat TV) – Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has completed a historic Career Grand Slam, securing his first Australian Open title earlier this year. This monumental achievement, coming at just 22 years old, places him among the sport’s all-time greats. Alcaraz has not slowed down since, maintaining a perfect 10-0 record for the 2026 season and advancing deep into the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.

Alcaraz’s Historic Australian Open Victory

The path to completing the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open was hard-fought, marked by a grueling semi-final clash against Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz prevailed in a five-set epic that lasted five hours and 27 minutes, a match he described as the most physically challenging of his career. The semi-final was not without controversy, as Zverev expressed frustration over a medical timeout taken by Alcaraz in the third set, questioning its legitimacy given rules against timeouts for cramping.

Alcaraz, however, clarified that he initially believed he had suffered a more specific injury in his right adductor, not just cramp, leading his physio to authorize the timeout. Despite the contentious moment, Zverev acknowledged the intensity of the match, stating he didn’t want the incident to overshadow what he called ‘one of the best battles there ever was in Australia.’ Following this triumph, Alcaraz went on to secure the Australian Open title, his seventh Grand Slam overall, solidifying his place in tennis history by winning all four major tournaments.

Dominant Start to the 2026 Season in Doha

Fresh off his Australian Open success, Alcaraz has continued his impressive form at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The world No. 1 has extended his perfect start to 2026, boasting a 10-0 record for the season after rallying past Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz overcame Khachanov 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-3 in a tight encounter, showcasing his ability to maintain composure and fight back from a set down. This victory secured his spot in the semi-finals, where he is set to face defending champion Andrey Rublev, as reported by ATP Tour.

During his quarterfinal match against Khachanov, Alcaraz also found himself in a passionate exchange with the chair umpire over a time violation warning. Following a long point, the umpire issued a warning, which Alcaraz disputed, stating, ‘The ATP rules are always s—.’ The incident, though minor, highlighted Alcaraz’s competitive intensity on court.

Off-Court Success with Babolat Racket Launch

Beyond his on-court achievements, Carlos Alcaraz is also making waves in the commercial sphere. This week, Babolat announced the launch of a new tennis racket line in collaboration with Alcaraz. The ninth generation of his signature Pure Aero racket is now available, alongside the new Carlitos Junior range of rackets and bags. This junior line, designed for young players aged 4 to 13, aims to introduce children to tennis and inspire them to follow in the footsteps of the world’s top player.

Alcaraz has had a long-standing relationship with Babolat, having signed his first contract at the age of 10 and joining their international team three years later. The launch of the Carlitos range, with rackets priced at $149, underscores his growing global appeal and influence, particularly among aspiring young athletes, according to Sports Illustrated.

Carlos Alcaraz’s completion of the Career Grand Slam at such a young age, followed by his continued dominance in the 2026 season and significant off-court partnerships, indicates a player not only at the peak of his game but also strategically building a lasting legacy in the sport.