Carlos Alcaraz began 2026 by telling the entire world what his ultimate goal was.
He then went and achieved it by the end of that month, winning the Australian Open and completing the Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.
That day in Melbourne, the Spaniard made history, and he continues to shatter records seemingly every week.
What we are witnessing is unparalleled, and although Alcaraz may be suffering with injury at the moment, there is still a belief that he will return ready to defend his Roland Garros crown and move one step closer to completing another impossible achievement: the Calendar Grand Slam.
Do you believe Carlos Alcaraz is already the greatest tennis player of all time?
He has the talent, and seemingly only one person standing in his way.
Toni Nadal has now given his verdict on Alcaraz’s chances of accomplishing this feat, which only two men have before in the sport’s history.
Toni Nadal rates Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of completing the Calendar Slam in 2026
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the legendary coach of Rafael Nadal, who came closest to completing the Calendar Grand Slam in 2009, where he won three of the four majors, admitted he could see Carlos Alcaraz doing it.
However, Toni Nadal suggested as much with a caveat, implying that it is because of this lack of competition that the opportunity even presents itself.
“He could [complete the Calendar Grand Slam], because there are very few players capable of beating him,” he began. “Sinner is one, but at Roland Garros I think Alcaraz has the edge – maybe 60-40. At Wimbledon, he is the favourite, and at the US Open as well.”
Nadal continued: “It’s possible, though not easy. I would give him around a 75% chance at Roland Garros, and about 60% at Wimbledon and the US Open.
“He is only 22 and look at what he has already achieved. If he stays on this path, it’s certainly possible [that he betters Novak Djokovic’s haul of 24 Grand Slams].
“Of course, a lot can happen over time, but if he continues playing at this level, he has a strong chance.
“He is an exceptional player, and I don’t currently see any younger player capable of surpassing him.”
This comes after Alcaraz’s coach predicted if he could win all four Grand Slams in 2026 as well, offering his unique verdict from inside the camp.
Why Carlos Alcaraz has a better chance to complete the Calendar Slam than any of the Big Three
What makes the Calendar Slam so revered is how few people have actually done it, particularly on the men’s side.
And, the fact that none of Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer managed it, despite their unprecedented dominance over the last few decades, only makes it even more elusive and respected.
However, Alcaraz has something that the Big Three did not, which skews the opportunity heavily in his favour; ironically, Toni Nadal actually touched on it briefly.
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
The 22-year-old only has one real threat at each major tournament.
Of the last nine Grand Slams, all have been won by one of Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, with three of the last four finals contested between the two of them.
If the Italian is to suffer an early exit in any of these four, the title is his.
Similarly, of the next three majors, Alcaraz boasts at least one win over his great rival in each of them.
It’s certainly possible, but it will not be easy.
