Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest male player in tennis history to complete the Career Grand Slam in Men’s Singles after beating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open.
After losing the opening set of Sunday’s final, Alcaraz quickly took control of the match, eventually winning the contest 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Alcaraz made a big tactical change during the match to help turn the tide, and following his victory in Melbourne, he was likened to Roger Federer.
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Alcaraz now has seven Grand Slams to his name, tying John McEnroe.
Following the contest, Alcaraz has discussed how he feels about McEnroe and matching his Grand Slam total.
Carlos Alcaraz says equalling John McEnroe’s Grand Slam total is a ‘big deal’
In an exclusive interview with AS.com, Alcaraz reflected on reaching McEnroe’s total; revealing his admiration for the American great.
He said: “In the world of tennis, it’s very difficult to stop and realize what you’re achieving.
“But last night, looking at messages and social media, I saw that I had equaled John McEnroe’s number of Grand Slam titles. And it was like… wow, this is huge.
“Equaling someone like McEnroe [pictured below, left] is a big deal. It’s incredible and wonderful to be there, with my name next to his, someone I admire and respect immensely.”
Alcaraz has won his seventh Grand Slam title three years younger than McEnroe did in his career.
McEnroe won his final Grand Slam title at the 1984 US Open, at 25 years old. Alcaraz has won his seventh at 22 years old.
McEnroe, who recently named Alcaraz as his favourite player, is one of the most iconic figures in tennis history; known for his electric play and eccentricity on the court.
Alcaraz has also equalled Mats Wilander’s total of seven major triumphs. Wilander, a three-time French Open champion, was 24 years old when he won his last Grand Slam singles title at the 1988 US Open.
John McEnroe’s seven Grand Slam titles
John McEnroe won his first Grand Slam title at the 1979 US Open, defeating compatriot Vitas Gerulaitis 7–5, 6–3, 6–3 in the final.
Almost a year later, McEnroe suffered heartbreak at Wimbledon, losing a five-set marathon in the final to his great rival, Bjorn Borg.
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
McEnroe refused to let this loss keep him down. A few months later, McEnroe avenged his loss to Borg, defeating the Swedish star in the US Open final: 7–6, 6–1, 6–7, 5–7, 6–4.
McEnroe again defeated Borg to win the 1981 Wimbledon Championships, before defeating the Swedish player in a third consecutive Grand Slam final meeting at the 1981 US Open.
In 1982, McEnroe was unable to defend his Wimbledon title: losing to Jimmy Connors in the final. However, he returned a year later to claim the title once again, defeating Chris Lewis in the final.
A 1984 French Open final loss to Ivan Lendl followed, before the American captured a third Wimbledon title.
McEnroe won his final Slam at the 1984 US Open, defeating Ivan Lendl in the deciding contest. A year later, Lendl avenged his loss, defeating McEnroe in the 1985 US Open final.
