After Carlos Alcaraz won his first Australian Open title, we asked tennis fans a pertinent question.
Following Alcaraz’s defeat of Novak Djokovic in Melbourne, tennis fans responded to a TalkingPoints question: is Carlos Alcaraz already the greatest tennis player in history?
There is an argument to be made – the Spaniard has already become the youngest player to complete the ‘Career Grand Slam’ and seems set to challenge the records set by the ‘Big Three.’
Moreover, Alcaraz now has seven Grand Slam titles to his name before the age of 23, equalling the totals of John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
Which member of the ‘Big Three’ is Carlos Alcaraz most similar to? Let us know why below👇
When assessing the Spaniard’s rise in recent years, his progress and achievements have been extraordinary. Alcaraz has won six of the past 11 major titles and seems almost unstoppable at this point in his career.
So, where do tennis fans feel Alcaraz ranks among the greats?
Is Carlos Alcaraz already the greatest player in tennis history?
“Not yet, but surely he is in line to be,” one tennis fan said. “He has already achieved so much in an incredibly short period of time.
“I just hope his body holds up for the next 10 to 12 years, and we could see him getting to 25 or more. At this point in time, it’s definitely possible.”
Another tennis fan wrote a similar argument, saying: “He can become one of the greatest; he is certainly on his way if he is focused and disciplined on his matches. He is on a great striking rate he must just keep this pace.
“You never know – what an extraordinary young guy, love to watch him play. Currently my best male tennis player.”
One other contributor pointed out that Alcaraz has already achieved greatness, as demonstrated by the Spaniard becoming the youngest male player in tennis history to win seven major titles before the age of 23.
The fan said: “He has already achieved what others dreamed or have achieved like Federer and Nadal.
“However it now rests to see when he turns 30 what new would be achieved [by Alcaraz], because in my eyes, there is nothing left to conquer. Even Olympic Gold is missing but Silver is already there. However, only left to see what destiny has written for Carlos and can he perform according to the script.”
One fan argued Alcaraz has already ‘got to the top’ with his Australian Open final victory.
What do you think is Carlos Alcaraz’s best surface and why?
They said: “Carlos got to the top with his win in the AO [Australian Open]. I predict that unless he’s injured, he will be there on top for a long time! So it’s just how many matches and Grand Slams you can bring home in the next ten or so years!”
However, some pointed out the youth of Alcaraz, arguing that the Spaniard needs to prove his worth on the Tour for many more years before being considered the greatest in history.
“He’s well on his way but one of the key tenets of any GOAT case is longevity,” another contributor said. “If he can sustain this excellence for years to come, I don’t see why he won’t be the GOAT.”
One fan also said: “It is too early to predict. As of now he has proved by becoming the youngest Career slam champion.”
Another tennis fan issued a succinct, but fair point, arguing that it is simply too soon to compare Alcaraz to the greats of the sport.
- 2022: Alcaraz wins his first major title at the US Open, catapulting him into the world number one spot
- 2023: Alcaraz wins his first Wimbledon title, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final
- 2024: The Spaniard wins two more Grand Slams, at the French Open and Wimbledon
- 2025: Alcaraz reached three of the four Grand Slam finals, winning the French Open and US Open
- 2026: The 22-year-old completes the ‘Career Grand Slam’ by winning the Australian Open
“I believe this is the dumbest tennis question of all time,” the tennis fan said. “Kid has only won seven Slams!”
Alcaraz’s first Grand Slam title
Alcaraz, seeded third in New York, began the 2022 US Open by defeating Sebastian Baez in straight sets, before beating Federico Coria and Jenson Brooksby.
The Spaniard came through a five-set contest against Marin Cilic in the fourth round, before saving a match point on his way to victory against Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals, Alcaraz won a third consecutive five-set contest against Frances Tiafoe, 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-7, 6-3.
The Spaniard defeated Casper Ruud in the final, winning his first Grand Slam title and securing the world number one spot for the first time.
