Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic are two of the most successful tennis players of all time.
The American legend won 23 Grand Slam titles during her career, one less than Serbia’s Djokovic, who sits on 24.
No player in the history of men’s tennis has won more titles than Djokovic, with his closest challenger, Rafael Nadal, retiring on 22.
Ever since he broke through on the ATP Tour to win his first major in 2022, fans have been questioning whether the current world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, could someday break Djokovic’s record.
The Spaniard won his fifth and sixth Grand Slam titles at the French Open and US Open this year, and is still just 22 years old.
During a recent press conference in Spain, Williams was asked if she believes Alcaraz has what it takes to get to 25 majors before he retires.
Serena Williams says ‘it’s possible’ when asked if Carlos Alcaraz can break Novak Djokovic’s Slam record
Williams is set to receive the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award in Spain on Friday, and shared her thoughts on Spanish tennis during a press conference ahead of the event.
“Of course I know it well; the Spanish have been at the top for a long time,” she said.
“There’s Rafa [Nadal], of course, but there are many other wonderful tennis players.
“[Carlos] Alcaraz is doing incredible things. I’m a huge fan of Alcaraz. I always cheer him on.”
Williams was then asked if she believes he can break Djokovic’s Grand Slam record.
“At this point, anything is possible,” she said.
“When [Roger] Federer started, no one thought he could surpass [Pete] Sampras, and he did.
“Then Rafa did the same, and then [Novak] Djokovic.
“Carlos is very young, he has great rivals, but of course it’s possible.
“Records are there to be broken.”
Williams has faith in Alcaraz one day breaking the record, but where does he currently sit in the all-time list of Grand Slam champions?
List of men’s Grand Slam winners
Djokovic tops the table with 24 Slams, but Alcaraz is closing the gap, and moved into the top 15 (Open Era) this year.
| Rank | Name | Country | Titles | Years won |
| 1 | Novak Djokovic | Serbia | 24 | 2008-2023 |
| 2 | Rafael Nadal | Spain | 22 | 2005-2022 |
| 3 | Roger Federer | Switzerland | 20 | 2003-2018 |
| 4 | Pete Sampras | USA | 14 | 1990-2002 |
| 5 | Bjorn Borg | Sweden | 11 | 1974-1981 |
| T-6 | Jimmy Connors | USA | 8 | 1974-1983 |
| T-6 | Ivan Lendl | Czechia | 8 | 1984-1990 |
| T-6 | Andre Agassi | USA | 8 | 1992-2003 |
| T-9 | John McEnroe | USA | 7 | 1979-1984 |
| T-9 | Mats Wilander | Sweden | 7 | 1982-1988 |
| T-11 | Stefan Edberg | Sweden | 6 | 1985-1992 |
| T-11 | Boris Becker | Germany | 6 | 1985-1996 |
| T-11 | Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | 6 | 2022-2025 |
| T-14 | Rod Laver | Australia | 5 | 1968-1969 |
| T-14 | John Newcombe | Australia | 5 | 1970-1975 |
If he can win another two Grand Slams in 2026, just as he did in 2024 and 2025, he’d break into the top ten.
However, as Williams mentioned, Alcaraz has some ‘great rivals’, who could halt his progress.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner is just two Grand Slams behind Alcaraz on four, and has shared the sport’s biggest titles with the Spaniard since the beginning of the 2024 season.
- 2024 Australian Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2024 French Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 Wimbledon – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 US Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 Australian Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 French Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2025 Wimbledon – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 US Open – Carlos Alcaraz
Only time will tell if Alcaraz and Sinner will win two Grand Slams each again in 2026, but it will certainly be worth tuning in for.
Alcaraz will have a chance to win his seventh major title at the 2026 Australian Open, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12.
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