The race to complete a Career Grand Slam has taken center stage in men’s tennis as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner stand just one trophy away from achieving the rare feat. With only five players in the Open Era having managed this accomplishment, the tennis world is buzzing with predictions about who will cross the finish line first.
Sinner edges closer after Wimbledon glory
Jannik Sinner’s maiden Wimbledon triumph in July added to his growing list of achievements. The Italian, already a four-time Grand Slam champion, now boasts victories at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. What remains elusive is the French Open title, a challenge he narrowly missed earlier this year.
At Roland Garros, Sinner came agonizingly close to victory, holding three match points in the final before falling to the new world number one. The loss underlined both his immense potential on clay and the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak at the highest level.
Alcaraz continues his dominance on hard courts
Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, secured his sixth Grand Slam crown at the US Open, further solidifying his position as one of the most formidable players on tour. The Spaniard, however, is yet to conquer the Australian Open, the only major missing from his cabinet.
The 22-year-old will have his next opportunity in Melbourne this coming January, putting him in prime position to strike first in the Career Grand Slam race. Given his success on hard courts, many believe he has the advantage heading into the 2025 season.
American veterans weigh in on the debate
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, former world number eight John Isner leaned toward Carlos Alcaraz as the frontrunner to complete the milestone.
“I’m going to say Alcaraz, just because he has the first shot at it—winning the Australian Open. I think just by virtue of that being the next major… It’s a weird one that he hasn’t done that well at that tournament,” Isner said.
Former American pro Sam Querrey echoed the sentiment, pointing to Alcaraz’s comfort on hard courts compared to Sinner’s tougher path on clay.
“I’m agreeing with you. I think Alcaraz has a better shot. Him winning on the hard courts feels more feasible than Jannik winning on the clay,” Querrey explained.
Who has the edge?
While Jannik Sinner has proven his versatility across surfaces, the road to Roland Garros glory appears more daunting. Carlos Alcaraz, with his explosive style and proven dominance on hard courts, seems better positioned to seize the moment in Melbourne. Still, with both players just one step away, the rivalry promises to define the next chapter of men’s tennis.