Carlos Alcaraz has already cemented his place in tennis history at just 22, completing the career Grand Slam with his win at the Australian Open.
Alcaraz took down Novak Djokovic in the final, a match that highlighted the 16-year age difference between the two players.
Djokovic, now 38, was looking to add a 25th major title to his record, but it was Alcaraz who came out on top.
This win makes Alcaraz a seven-time Grand Slam champion and the youngest man ever to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t see himself playing aged 35
Since completing the career Grand Slam, Alcaraz has opened up about how long he expects to continue playing professionally.
Speaking in Spanish to El Partidazo de Cope, he said: “Tennis is a very demanding sport, mentally and physically, and even more so nowadays.
“The speed of the ball, the demands on the court have increased, and the schedule doesn’t help.
“So we try to take care of our bodies as much as possible to get there in the best possible shape. But as a very wise person once told me, I can’t think 15 years ahead but rather in five and then in another five.”
He added: “So we’ll see. But right now I don’t see myself playing at 35. Although maybe the moment will come and I’ll keep going with more enthusiasm than ever and be motivated to continue playing until my body allows me to.”
Carlos Alcaraz makes smart call right after Australian Open win
Alcaraz, despite his age, has already shown a knack for making smart choices in his career.
That includes the actions on and off the court that have played a part in the youngster clinching a mammoth seven Grand Slam titles.
Shortly before this latest win, he surprised many by splitting from long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a move that came after plenty of success together.
But with Samuel Lopez in his corner, Alcaraz quickly justified the decision by claiming the Australian Open title.
Now he’s made another sensible move, opting to pull out of the Rotterdam Open just after his latest Grand Slam triumph.
The choice wasn’t an easy one. He won the tournament back in 2025, beating Alex de Minaur in the final. But given what’s ahead this season, it makes sense for him to take some time off now.
The Spaniard has been vocal about wanting changes to tennis’s demanding schedule and is starting to take control over his own calendar by sitting out Rotterdam later this month.
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