Serena Williams Backs Carlos Alcaraz to Shatter Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam Record

Let’s be real for a second. The idea of anyone winning 25 Grand Slams sounds absolutely bonkers. But if there’s one player on tour right now who could realistically do it, it’s Alcaraz.

First off, the kid is ridiculously versatile. He’s already won multiple titles on all three surfaces—hard court, clay, and grass. When he won the US Open this year, he became the youngest player ever to achieve that feat. Not bad for someone who’s barely old enough to rent a car.

Second, he’s got time on his side. At 22, Alcaraz has potentially another decade or more of elite tennis ahead of him. If he stays healthy (and that’s a big if in tennis), he could rack up titles at a pace that would make even the Big Three nervous.

Third, he’s got the mentality. Alcaraz doesn’t just play tennis—he attacks it with a joy and fearlessness that’s genuinely rare. When the BBC asked him earlier this year about breaking records, he didn’t shy away from it. “I know it is almost impossible to break Novak’s records, but I’m playing tennis for myself, for joy, and I want to do great things. I want to be part of tennis history.”

That’s the kind of confidence you need to even dream about 25 Grand Slams.

The Spanish Connection

Williams also gave props to Spain’s long tennis legacy, mentioning Rafael Nadal and the country’s many other talented players. It’s clear she has a soft spot for Spanish tennis—probably because she watched Nadal dominate for two decades.

Now that Nadal has retired, it seems Williams has found her new favorite in Alcaraz. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. Alcaraz plays with a similar fire and passion that made Nadal so captivating to watch. Plus, he’s not just talented—he’s fun. He celebrates every point like it’s match point at Wimbledon, and that kind of energy is contagious.

What’s Next for Alcaraz?

Right now, Alcaraz is gearing up for the Paris Masters, which kicks off next week at the La Defense Arena. He hasn’t played a tour match since winning the ATP 500 in Tokyo, having withdrawn from Shanghai and then competing (and losing to Jannik Sinner) at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

If he can stay healthy and keep his momentum going, Alcaraz has a real shot at making 2026 an even bigger year. The Australian Open in January would be huge for him—it’s the only Major he hasn’t won yet. If he lifts that trophy, he’ll complete the career Grand Slam before his 23rd birthday. No big deal or anything.

The Bottom Line

Look, predicting the future in tennis is a fool’s errand. Injuries happen. New rivals emerge. Sometimes players just lose their hunger. But if Serena Williams—one of the greatest athletes of all time—believes Alcaraz can break Djokovic’s record, maybe we should all start taking that possibility seriously.

After all, she’s seen it happen before. She’s watched legends fall and new ones rise. And now, she’s literally calling Alcaraz to cheer him on because she believes in what he’s capable of.

So yeah, 25 Grand Slams sounds insane. But then again, so did 24 a decade ago. And here we are.