How Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal joined forces to make Spanish history | ATP Tour
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How Alcaraz and Nadal teamed up to make Spanish history
Nadal is another Spaniard to win a career Grand Slam, achieving the feat at the 2010 U.S. Open
February 3, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal talks to Carlos Alcaraz after the 2026 Australian Open final.
Sam Jacott
Carlos Alcaraz added another golden chapter to Spanish tennis history on Sunday by lifting the Australian Open trophy, completing a career Grand Slam and joining Rafael Nadal in one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs.
With victory in Melbourne, the 22-year-old became the second Spaniard to win the Australian Open men’s singles title after Nadal in 2009 and 2022. More importantly, Spain has become the only country in the Open era to have produced two professional Grand Slam champions, and Alcaraz went down in history together with Nadal, the member of the ATP’s first club.
Career Grand Slams are only achievable for select men’s tennis players. In addition to Alcaraz and Nadal, the list includes Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, the United States’ Andre Agassi and Australia’s Rod Laver.
Career Grand Slam (Men, Open Era)
*Laver completed his career Grand Slam as an amateur in 1962 and in 1969 during the Open Era
Nadal’s performance in the stands at Melbourne Park was even more special. This is the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s first appearance at the Australian Open since his last major appearance in 2023, providing him with a rare opportunity to watch his compatriot compete on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
“For me it was a bit strange to see Rafa in the stands. I think it was the first time [he has watched me play] If I remember correctly, professionally speaking,” Alcaraz said during the ceremony. “I know you guys saw me when I was 14 or 15 years old, so that’s a long time ago. It’s such an honor to play in front of you. We had a great battle on the pitch…and now to see you watching me play, it’s such an honor. “
Nadal completed his career Grand Slam at the age of 24 years and 88 days at the 2010 US Open, becoming the first Spaniard to achieve this feat. More than 15 years later, Alcaraz followed the same path.
Alcaraz, competing in his 20th Grand Slam tournament, improved to 7-1 in Grand Slam finals. He has twice won the other three Grand Slam tournaments (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, U.S. Open). The PIF ATP No. 1 player is the youngest male player to win seven Grand Slam singles titles in the Open era. Alcaraz is currently tied 5-5 with Djokovic in the Lexus ATP Head-to-Head Series and is the 12th player to defeat the Serbian five or more times.
