In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca on 4/2, Alcaraz was asked if he could compete at the same level as senior player Novak Djokovic when he reached 38. "I don't think about that," Alcaraz said. "I hope that at that age, I can still compete with younger players and play in Grand Slam finals."

The world number one claimed his first Australia Open title on 1/2, defeating Djokovic in a four-set final. At 22, Alcaraz became the youngest male player in the Open Era to win all four distinct Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz, who holds seven Grand Slam titles, was asked if his young age achievements and records placed him on par with Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

"No, I am far from them," Alcaraz stated. "I can only claim to be at their level if I maintain a 20 or 22-year career, winning major titles season after season. That is my goal."

Alcaraz (left) and Djokovic at the Australia Open 2026 final, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, on the evening of 1/2. *Photo: Reuters*

A 16-year age gap separated the two Grand Slam finalists last weekend; Djokovic is less than four months from turning 39. Djokovic holds the all-time record with 24 Grand Slam titles, while Nadal and Federer follow with 22 and 20 titles respectively.

"One must work to get as close as possible, or even catch up to them. But to claim I am at the same level, many years remain," Alcaraz further stated. "I am breaking important records, but the achievements of those three are almost untouchable."

Beyond his Australia Open victory, Alcaraz has secured two titles at each of the other Grand Slams: the US Open (2022, 2025), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and Roland Garros (2024, 2025). The Spanish player also discussed the challenge of savoring each moment in tennis.

"The nature of tennis means tournaments occur week after week, making it difficult to reflect on achievements," Alcaraz noted. "The two weeks in Melbourne were intense, emotional, and mentally demanding. We will aim to recover as effectively as possible for the journey ahead. Currently, I just want to stop, go home, rest, and assess my physical and mental state in the coming days."

Vy Anh