Carlos Alcaraz has spent the past four years rewriting tennis history with the swagger of a prodigy and the steel of a seasoned champion. By 22, he’s already a six-time Grand Slam champion, a multi-surface phenomenon, and the sport’s clearest heir to the ‘Big 3’ era. After conquering Roland Garros and the US Open in 2025, Alcaraz is now all set to start his campaign in 2026. It’ll be a big challenge for the Spaniard as he steps on the Australian soil. If he wins the AO this year, he’d become the youngest man ever to achieve the Career Grand Slam. But can he do it?

Well, just as the tennis world braces for another year of Alcaraz dominance, former ATP pro Sam Querrey has thrown a bucket of ice water on the hype. His bold take? Alcaraz may not win any major title in 2026. On the season-opening episode of the Nothing Major Podcast, Querrey joined co-hosts John Isner, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock in making the yearly slate of fearless forecasts. The conversation began lightly with fun predictions and a few laughs, but it took a sharp turn when Isner suggested that the men’s Grand Slam monopoly of ‘Sincaraz’ might finally crack.

“I think we will have a Grand Slam winner on the men’s side who is not Sinner or Alcaraz,” Isner proposed. Querrey immediately shook his head. Then came his bombshell. “My bold take is that I think Sinner is going to win all four majors this year. What is more likely, Sinner winning all four or someone other than Sinner or Alcaraz winning one?”

Sock quickly chimed in, echoing Querrey’s view. But the message behind Querrey’s claim was unmistakable: if Jannik Sinner sweeps the season, then Carlos Alcaraz goes winless. It was a stunning prediction - especially considering the current world number one has won at least one major title every year since 2022.

Querrey’s prediction may be bold - borderline provocative - but it has ignited exactly the kind of debate that defines a fresh tennis season. One thing is certain: the pressure on Carlos Alcaraz has never been heavier, and the spotlight has never been brighter. And as he sets foot in Melbourne chasing the lone trophy missing from his cabinet, the tennis world will be watching his every step.

In 2026, Carlos Alcaraz is either going to silence the doubters or fuel the biggest storyline of the year…

Can Carlos Alcaraz outclass the defending champion, Jannik Sinner, and win the 2026 AO?

The 2026 Australian Open is still days away, yet the anticipation feels like the middle of a five-set thriller. On one side stands Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spaniard driven by the singular ambition of completing the Career Grand Slam. On the other side stands Jannik Sinner - the defending champion, world-beating shotmaker, and the picture of icy consistency. Together, they have shaped a rivalry that feels destined to define the era.

Seeing their sheer dominance across the ATP Tour, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said, “It’s a two-horse race, and I don’t necessarily think it’s a healthy thing.” To him, the equation is simple: if either man dips in form, the other runs away with everything.

Even ATP star Lorenzo Sonego heaped praise on both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner by saying, “I think both Jannik and Alcaraz will be the future of tennis, in addition to already being the present, and they will be the ones who will dominate for many years.” But having said that, he also mentioned, “Jannik gives the impression of being more consistent, and since we are very good friends, I hope he can continue to get stronger and be a step above Carlos.”

Can Alcaraz stop Sinner from winning another title in Melbourne? Well, Carlos Alcaraz has already made his intentions pretty clear. “In 2026, I’d rather win Australia alone than two Grand Slams.” He wants to win as many Grand Slams as he can in his career, but for now, the Australian Open seems to be his biggest challenge.

Alcaraz has never been past the QF at the AO. So, his primary goal will be to win the 2026 AO and complete a Career Grand Slam. How much would you rate his chances at the AO this year?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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