Carlos Alcaraz: Youngest Player to Achieve Career Grand Slam and Financial Milestone

Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz made history this Sunday by becoming the youngest player ever to achieve the Career Grand Slam. At just 22 years old, he secured this monumental feat by winning the Australian Open, where he triumphed over Serbian rival Novak Djokovic with scores of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, and 7-5. This remarkable victory has catapulted Alcaraz into the limelight, making him a headline story across newspapers and television broadcasts worldwide, captivating millions of sports fans in the process. In addition to his tennis accolades, Alcaraz's financial success has also become a hot topic. The Australian Open prize money this year has set a record, surpassing previous editions, amounting to a staggering 4,150,000 Australian dollars, which is roughly 2.44 million euros. This windfall represents an 18.5% increase from the previous year, solidifying Alcaraz's status not only as a champion on the court but also as a rising star off of it. However, Alcaraz's winnings have also sparked discussions about taxation on large sports prizes. Reports have circulated that almost half of his prize money will be taxed under Pedro Sánchez's government, which sees athletes like Alcaraz taxed at 47% of their winnings. This trend is not unique to Spain; other countries impose high tax rates on prize money, with rates such as 54% in France, 48% in Germany, and as high as 57% in Finland, illustrating a commonality across Europe. The economist Julen Bollaín highlighted that higher taxation rates often correlate with improved public services, setting a broader context for the public's response to these financial matters. As Alcaraz's achievements continue to grow, these discussions around his earnings will likely persist. In his fledgling yet formidable career, Alcaraz has already amassed an impressive $60 million, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. He has claimed seven Grand Slam titles, including: - 1 Australian Open title (2026) - 2 Roland Garros titles (2024, 2025) - 2 Wimbledon titles (2023, 2024) - 2 US Open titles (2022, 2025) With such an exceptional beginning to his career, Alcaraz is on a path not only to dominate the tennis world but to rewrite records, both on and off the court. His blend of talent, ambition, and resilience has undoubtedly made him a figure to watch in the coming years. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2