Carlos Alcaraz has a burning desire to break Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam record.
After winning the 2023 US Open the Serbian extended the major record to 24, after surpassing Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 by winning last season’s French Open.
The 21-year-old stopped him from winning 25 and claiming all four Slams in the same year when he defeated the World Number One in a thrilling Wimbledon final last summer.
This gave Alcaraz his second major crown, but he has loftier ambitions as he eyes Djokovic’s most coveted record.
Carlos Alcaraz wants Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam record
Alcaraz winning more than 24 Grand Slam titles would be a monumental feat, but he has a long way to go to get anywhere close to Djokovic‘s haul.
But after winning two majors before his 21st birthday and becoming the game’s youngest ever World Number One, he has made an encouraging start.
When asked by BBC Sport if he still wants to surpass Djokovic’s tally, Alcaraz replied: “Yes, of course. I’m an ambitious guy.
“I know it is almost impossible to break Novak’s records but I’m playing tennis for myself, for joy and I want to do great things. I want to be part of tennis history.”
What is Carlos Alcaraz’s Grand Slam record?
Alcaraz has claimed two Grand Slam trophies, the first of which came at the 2022 US Open.
On the way to the final he outlasted Marin Cilic, Jannik Sinner and Francis Tiafoe in successive five set thrillers, before knocking off Casper Ruud to lift the title at Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz had played just 17 career matches on grass courts before ending Djokovic’s 10-year winning run on Centre Court to win the Wimbledon championship trophy.
His best result at the French Open came in 2023 when Djokovic defeated him in four sets. When their semi-final contest was locked at a set apiece, the youngster suffered from cramp and was unable to produce his best tennis for the rest of the encounter.
He has yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, which he achieved in January 2024.
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