Carlos Alcaraz’s rise in tennis reached another milestone on Sunday, as he lifted his second Roland Garros title and fifth Grand Slam. However, this feat has a special place in tennis history.
Carlos won his 2nd Roland Garros title (5th Grand Slam title) at the exact same age Rafael Nadal won his fifth major. For the 22-year-old Spaniard, it was more than just a stat. It felt like destiny.
“Honestly, the coincidence of winning my 5th Slam at the same age as Rafa Nadal… I’m gonna say that’s destiny I guess,” Alcaraz said, holding back emotion. “It’s a stat that I’m gonna keep with me forever. Winning the 5th Slam at the same age as Rafa, my idol, my inspiration. It’s a huge honor. Hopefully it’s not gonna stop like this.”
At 22 years, 1 month, and 3 days, Alcaraz has already carved out a career that mirrors some of Nadal’s most impressive early accomplishments.
His latest Grand Slam win came after an epic five-set final against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, lasting 5 hours and 29 minutes, making it the second-longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era.
Only the 2012 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, which lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes, was longer.
Alcaraz showed incredible heart and endurance in Paris, battling back to overcome Sinner in a final that tested both players mentally and physically. It also marked a continuing trend of dominance from the new generation, with Alcaraz and Sinner now winning the last six Grand Slam titles between them:
- Australian Open 2024 – Sinner
- Roland Garros 2024 – Alcaraz
- Wimbledon 2024 – Alcaraz
- US Open 2024 – Sinner
- Australian Open 2025 – Sinner
- Roland Garros 2025 – Alcaraz
Their rivalry is now the heartbeat of men’s tennis, and this latest final only adds to the ever-increasing legacy both the young proffesionals are building.
However, for the young Spanard, this win carries personal weight. Roland Garros is the tournament most associated with Rafael Nadal, the “King of Clay,” and to claim a second title there at the same career milestone as his childhood idol is a storybook moment.
“I have to realize that I’ve done it,” Alcaraz added. “That’s the first step.”
With five majors to his name, Carlos Alcaraz is not just following in Nadal’s footsteps—he’s carving out a path of his own.