Carlos Alcaraz's name is now etched on the four most coveted trophies in world tennis. At 22, the Murcian has won the Australian Open for the first time, becoming the youngest player to lift all four cups. Only the Melbourne title eluded him, a tournament in which he had never reached the final. But Alcaraz is poised to surpass the achievements of Rafa Nadal or his opponent in the final, Novak Djokovic, who at 38 years old thrilled with his competitive spirit. But his era came to an end, falling in four sets (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5).

The Australian Open marks the start of the tennis season, a 2026 season overshadowed by the news that has shaken the sport: the split between Carlos Alcaraz and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Murcian, winner of six Grand Slam titles at just 22 years old, decided to part ways with the former player from Ontinyent at the end of the year. Ferrero had been key to his success, and they had worked together since Alcaraz was 15. Until now, it was a seemingly solid partnership. Alcaraz shone on the court, and Ferrero watched from the stands, but behind the scenes, cracks had appeared and grown increasingly larger, culminating in the final breakdown just before Christmas.