No 1 Membership
How Alcaraz, Nadal mixed to make Spanish historical past
Nadal is the opposite Spaniard to win the Profession Grand Slam, attaining the feat on the 2010 US Open
February 03, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Photos
Rafael Nadal speaks with Carlos Alcaraz following the 2026 Australian Open remaining.
By Sam Jacot
Carlos Alcaraz added one other golden chapter to Spanish tennis historical past on Sunday, when he lifted the Australian Open trophy to finish the Profession Grand Slam and be a part of Rafael Nadal in one of many sport’s most unique golf equipment.
Along with his triumph in Melbourne, the 22-year-old grew to become the second Spanish man to win the Australian Open males’s singles title, following Nadal’s victories in 2009 and 2022. Extra considerably, Spain grew to become the one nation within the Open Period to have produced two males who’ve gained the Profession Grand Slam, with Alcaraz becoming a member of fellow ATP No. 1 Membership member Nadal within the historical past books.
The Profession Grand Slam has been achieved by solely a choose group of gamers in males’s tennis. Alongside Alcaraz and Nadal, the listing consists of Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Serbian Novak Djokovic, American Andre Agassi and Australian Rod Laver.
Profession Grand Slam (Males, Open Period)
*Laver accomplished the Profession Grand Slam as an beginner in 1962, and within the Open Period in 1969
The event was much more particular with Nadal within the stands at Melbourne Park. It marked the primary time the 22-time main champion had attended the Australian Open since his final look on the main in 2023, providing a uncommon alternative for him to observe his countryman compete on considered one of tennis’ largest levels.
“For me it’s just a little bit bizarre seeing Rafa within the stands. I believe it’s the primary time [he has watched me play] professionally, if I’m not unsuitable,” Alcaraz mentioned through the trophy ceremony. “I do know you watched me once I was 14 or 15 years outdated, so it’s been a very long time. It’s such an honour taking part in in entrance of you. We had nice battles on the courtroom… Now seeing you watch my match, it’s only a privilege.”
Nadal accomplished his personal Profession Grand Slam on the 2010 US Open, aged 24 years and 88 days, turning into the primary Spanish man to realize the feat. Greater than 15 years later, Alcaraz adopted the identical path.
Alcaraz, who was making his twentieth main look, improved to 7-1 in Grand Slam finals. He has gained every of the opposite three majors (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open) twice. The No. 1 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings is the youngest male within the Open Period to win seven main singles titles. Alcaraz is now degree with Djokovic at 5-5 within the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head collection and is the twelfth participant to have defeated the Serbian on 5 or extra events.
