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'A stat I’ll keep forever' – Carlos Alcaraz equals Rafael Nadal’s timeline with Roland Garros epic

Originally posted on TennisUpToDate.com | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 12:33 PM ET

Carlos Alcaraz's Roland Garros title came with a curious similarity to Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old claimed his 5th Grand Slam title this Sunday by defeating Jannik Sinner in a remarkable comeback: 4-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6[10-2].

The Spaniard successfully defended the crown he had already won at the French Open in 2024 and adds it to his titles at the US Open (2021) and Wimbledon (2023, '24).

Already with a resume that places him among the best in history, Alcaraz has also stood out for his precocious records, such as becoming the youngest World No. 1, the youngest US Open champion, and the youngest player to achieve the 'Surface Slam' (winning majors on all three surfaces).

His early achievements put him on par with what Rafael Nadal was doing 20 years ago, when he first burst onto the Tour and quickly took a place among the best.

Alcaraz won his fifth major title this Sunday at the age of 22 years, 1 month, and 3 days. Exactly the same age Nadal was when he lifted his fifth Slam – at Wimbledon 2008, for many, the best major final in history. Nadal at that point had won Roland Garros four consecutive times but had never won another major trophy.

Alcaraz was made aware of this curious fact in his press conference. “Well, I mean, I have to realize that I’ve done it. I think that’s the first step. Honestly the coincidence of winning my 5th Slam at the same age as Rafa Nadal... I’m gonna say that’s destiny I guess.”

“It’s a stat that I’m gonna keep with me forever. Winning the 5th Slam at the same as Rafa, my idol, my inspiration. It’s a huge honor. Hopefully it’s not gonna stop like this.”

Alcaraz becomes the 4th player of this century to achieve at least 5 Grand Slam titles – succeeding the Big Three. The Spaniard will now have a few weeks to rest and begin his preparation for the grass-court swing heading into Wimbledon, where he is the two-time defending champion, having beaten Novak Djokovic in 2023 and 2024.