Carlos Alcaraz sets his sights on big Jannik Sinner title that will put him in the record books

Carlos Alcaraz might be on the sidelines right now, the Spaniard has already set his sights on the title he wants to win next. To win it, however, he will need to dethrone Jannik Sinner, who is a two-time defending champion at the tournament.

Sinner and Alcaraz last played against each other last week, meeting in the final of the ATP Finals. Sinner won in straight sets to defend his title. In six meetings this season, Alcaraz has the lead in their head-to-head record with four wins.

This week, both are absent at the Davis Cup. Alcaraz was scheduled to play, but pulled out with an injury. Sinner, on the other hand, had already confirmed he won't play, choosing to rest in the off-season instead.

Speaking to the Tennis Channel now, Alcaraz revealed that his big goal for the next season will be to win the Australian Open. In the last two years, the title in Melbourne has gone to Sinner, who beat Daniil Medvedev in the 2024 final and then Alexander Zverev to defend the title this year.

Alcaraz, who has already won the other Grand Slams on the tennis tour, will become the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam if he wins it in 2026. Since the 1990s only four men have managed to accomplish the feat: Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

"It is a really good goal for me to complete the Career Grand Slam. I am really looking forward to winning [the Australian Open] one day. I am really excited. The good point is I start the season straight away playing a Grand Slam, which could be tricky with no competition rhythm," Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz currently has six Majors to his name -- two each at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Interestingly, Sinner also has a shot at completing the Career Slam in 2026 if he wins the French Open. The Italian has currently won two Australian Open titles, and one each at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Carlos Alcaraz's best result at the Australian Open so far

2025 US Open - Day 13 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open twice so far, his best result at the tournament. He did so in 2024 and 2025, losing to Novak Djokovic in a four-set battle this year.

Alcaraz's current coach, former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, did one better at the Australian Open in his career, reaching the semifinals in 2004 before losing to eventual champion Roger Federer.

Edited by Shyam Kamal