Carlos Alcaraz heads into the 2026 Australian Open with a chance of earning a Career Grand Slam.
The star has won the other three Grand Slams, but he has never played his best tennis at the Australian Open.
Alcaraz has only ever reached as far as the quarter-final stages of the Australian Open, having lost to Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic in the past two years.
Following Alcaraz’s split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, Todd Woodbridge has suggested that the Spaniard will struggle at the Australian Open – and he could even go major-less throughout 2026.
Todd Woodbridge shares his fears for Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
On the Australian Open podcast, Todd Woodbridge expressed a worry about Alcaraz’s chances in 2026 following his split from Ferrero.
Who would you like to see become Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach?
“I think it will be difficult for Carlos to win a Grand Slam next year. We know he is capable, but I find this change, at this stage of his career, mind-boggling.
“We are talking about one of the greatest duos in history. When Juan Carlos was not by his side in recent years, Carlos did not play as well. You could see him looking toward the stands, being more uncertain.
“It will take months for him to get used to it. Given this change, I think Jannik has an advantage and will achieve the triple in Melbourne.”
Alcaraz has won at least one Grand Slam a year since 2022, when he collected his maiden major at the US Open.
The world number one captured two in 2025, at Roland Garros and the US Open, taking his tally up to six Grand Slam victories in his career.
Carlos Alcaraz could go without Grand Slams in 2026, but not because of Juan Carlos Ferrero
Alcaraz’s split with Ferrero will cause a transitional period, but he should be able to still challenge at the latter stages of Grand Slams.
What do you make of Marion Bartoli’s comments? Do you think there is any chance of Alcaraz retiring before 25?
The only person stopping Alcaraz from winning Grand Slams in 2026 is Jannik Sinner, who finished the 2025 season in sensational fashion.
The star looked near-unbeatable on hardcourts in the final stages of the season, which included two wins over Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam and the ATP Finals.
If the Italian can continue that form into the whole of the 2026 season, there is every chance the Spaniard can end the season without a major.
