Carlos Alcaraz has set his sights on next year’s Australian Open after sealing his sixth major title with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Jannik Sinner in the US Open final.
The 22-year-old Spaniard lifted his second crown in New York and will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday, ending Sinner’s brief reign at the top. His next ambition is to complete a career Grand Slam, a feat only achieved by a handful of greats.
Alcaraz has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne, but winning there would make him the youngest man to claim all four majors, eclipsing Rafael Nadal, who was 24 when he achieved the milestone in 2010.“It’s my first goal, to be honest,” Alcaraz said.
“When I go into preseason training, the Australian Open is always there. To win it would be great.”The Spaniard dropped just one set in the tournament, avenging his Wimbledon loss to Sinner and further tightening a rivalry that has defined the sport’s new era.
Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero praised his display but urged caution. “The potential to win many Grand Slams is there, but nothing is automatic. He still has a lot to improve on,” he said.Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner have now claimed eight of the last 13 majors, with Novak Djokovic taking the other three.
