Geneva, 1 February 2026 – Rolex Testimonee Carlos Alcaraz secured his place among the tennis greats today at the 2026 Australian Open, as he became the youngest ever player to complete the career Grand Slam®. At just 22 years of age, Alcaraz has now won all four of the sport’s most coveted trophies. After a spectacular 3-hour 2-minute encounter, with the weight of history hanging in the balance, the World No. 1 clinched his maiden Australian Open title to write the next chapter of his legacy on Rod Laver Arena with a scoreline of 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5. Rolex has kept time on defining moments in the sport since 1978. From the first serve to championship point, and through each challenge in between, the Swiss watchmaker has accompanied the world’s leading players on their journeys to the crown.

Throughout his meteoric rise, Alcaraz has captured the hearts of tennis fans with his skill, athleticism and love for the game – qualities which shone bright throughout this tournament. The Spaniard reached the last four without dropping a set, before coming back from the brink and under the most extreme pressure, to win a record-breaking 5-hour and 27-minute semi-final clash and ultimately lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Alcaraz, who has claimed seven Grand Slam® singles titles since joining the Rolex family in 2022, says:  

Although it was the top seeds who thrilled during the 15 days of action, the legends illuminated the tournament’s opening week. Roger Federer returned to Rod Laver Arena alongside his fellow Rolex Testimonee and home favourite Pat Rafter during the Opening Ceremony. Twenty years on from Federer’s memorable 2006 Australian Open win, which commenced his greatest tennis season, it was as if he had never left the court. The Swiss maestro displayed the same grace and precision which also led him to the career Grand Slam® a few years later, in 2009. Discussing what achieving this milestone meant to him, Federer attests: 

A six-time champion in Melbourne, Federer adds: 

Year after year the Australian Open continues to grow and evolve, with this year’s edition welcoming record-breaking crowds, all eager to glimpse their tennis heroes in action. Temperatures soared and the iconic blue courts radiated intensity as the Rolex Testimonees progressed in testing conditions. Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko, who continue to establish themselves as contenders on the biggest stages, were among five teenagers to make it through to the third round. For the first time in Open Era Grand Slam® history, the top six seeds in both singles’ draws reached the quarter-final stage, notably Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton and Iga Świątek. Unfolding over 10 hours of spellbinding tennis, the men’s semi-finals produced two extraordinary five-set encounters featuring the four best players in the world, including Alcaraz and the two-time Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner. 

Demanding perseverance and excellence of the highest order, the Australian Open rewards those who continue their commitment to excellence during the off-season and arrive in Melbourne prepared to stake their claim to the throne. Rolex has served as Official Timekeeper of the tournament since 2008, witnessing the making of champions on Rod Laver Arena and recognizing the great Australian legend whose name transcends time. Now, as the first Grand Slam® chapter of 2026 closes, Alcaraz’s name is forever etched in history alongside legends including Laver and Federer; players who have also conquered the sport’s four truest tests.