Carlos Alcaraz has just won his seventh Grand Slam title, and already people are looking ahead to how many he might retire with.
After all, the man he just beat in the Australian Open final, Novak Djokovic, currently holds the record to beat.
His tally of 24 remains the outstanding target, and when it was first set, it seemed insurmountable.
However, that was just as Carlos Alcaraz had first burst onto the scene, and before we knew he would soon be known as the greatest youngster in the sport’s history.
Do you believe Carlos Alcaraz is already the greatest tennis player of all time?
Greg Rusedski, discussing the 22-year-old’s latest triumph, has made his prediction about how many majors he might retire with.
Greg Rusedski makes bold Grand Slam prediction about Carlos Alcaraz
Speaking on his Off Court with Greg podcast, the former British number one struggled to come to terms with the concept of Alcaraz reaching 20 at first.
However, he swiftly rationalised the very real possibility, admitting: “Why does it seem impossible? He is at seven already. I can’t remember too many 22-year-olds at seven!
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
“If he gets another one or two this year, he is at eight or nine. He is going to be the favourite for every Slam that he plays.
“He is the number one player on the planet. We were all panicked over what is going to happen with Juan Carlos Ferrero. Well, no more questions need to be asked. He has won his first Australian Open and his seventh major. He is going from strength to strength.
“I don’t see there being any reason, if he stays healthy, to get to 20. To get beyond 20, that is a different beast!”
Alcaraz was asked if he thinks he is now a tennis legend after that final. It’s fair to say that his opinion might differ from the vast majority of the tennis world.
How many Grand Slams would Carlos Alcaraz need to win a year to match Novak Djokovic?
Realistically, and justifiably given the start to his career he has enjoyed, Alcaraz will already have his sights set on Djokovic’s tally of 24 Grand Slam titles.
However, it will not be easy for him to get there, even with the limited competition he seems set to face.
Jannik Sinner has thus far provided a much-needed counter-balance to the Spaniard’s supremacy, but other than that, nobody else really comes close.
Were Alcaraz to win another Grand Slam title in 2026, and then win two a year going forward, it would take another eight years to match Djokovic’s 24 major titles. He would be 30 years old.
That is more than feasible, but obviously relies heavily on fitness and motivation, and there being no other serious contenders to emerge over the next decade.
