Alcaraz Completes the Set: 22-Year-Old Makes History at Australian Open 2026
 The “Big Three” era of Roger, Rafa and Novak has officially met its successor in Carlos Alcaraz. On Sunday night at Rod Laver Arena, Carlos Alcaraz did what many thought would take another decade: he became the youngest player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam as a man. Steffi Graf won the golden slam as 19 year old.
As a man, Carlos is two years ahead of his nearest rival. By defeating Novak Djokovic in a high-octane 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5 final, Alcaraz lifted his seventh major title and etched his name alongside legends like Rod Laver and Roger Federer. The complete set of grand slams. At just 22 years and 272 days, he broke the 88-year-old record previously held by Don Budge (1938).
Champion’s Resilience
​The road to the Australian Open wasn’t easy. Take for example the semi final match against Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard seemed down and out many times but somehow bounded back in the final set.
 In the championship match, he dropped the first set in just 33 minutes to a vintage Novak Djokovic. However, the World No. 1 showed the “mental steel” to lift the next three sets to win the title.
​Youngest Men to Complete the Career Grand Slam
Carlos ​Alcaraz’s achievement places him at the top of a prestigious list of illustrious company. Not only did he beat the “Big Three” to the finish line, but he did so years earlier than most of them.
Player Age at Grand Slam Completion
Carlos Alcaraz 22 years, 272 days – 2026 Australian Open
Don Budge 22 years, 363 days – 1938 French Championships
Rod Laver 24 years, 32 days – 1962 US Nationals
Rafael Nadal 24 years, 101 days – 2010 US Open
Roger Federer 27 years, 303 days – 2009 Roland Garros
Carlos Is a Rolex Testimonee since 2022.Â
Rolex, the Official Timekeeper of the Australian Open since 2008, witnessed the historic moment. Alcaraz, joined fellow legend Roger Federer in the history books. Roger Federer himself was in attendance at Rod Laver Arena, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his 2006 victory and watching the new generation take the torch.