Carlos Alcaraz holds distinct record not even accomplished by Federer, Nadal or Djokovic

Following his opening round victory at the ongoing US Open, tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz has maintained a streak not even held by tennis royalty Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The young Spaniard defeated Li Tu in the first round in New York, overcoming a second set lapse to record a 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory. By virtue of his win, Alcaraz has preserved his unbeaten record in opening round matches at Grand Slam events.

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Alcaraz joins elite company

The reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion improved to 15-0 in every first round match he has played at a Grand Slam event till date. The 21-year-old Spanish star has won four titles from his 14 previous Major campaigns and has reached at least the quarter-finals on nine occasions. Alcaraz’s opening round win at the 2024 US Open took his Grand Slam record to an impressive 60 wins and 10 losses.

Three other men maintained an unbeaten first round match streak at Grand Slam events.

1. Bjorn Borg 26-0
The Swedish star finished his career with a perfect 26-0 record in opening round matches at Grand Slams. Borg won 11 Grand Slam titles, and compiled an amazing 141-16 Grand Slam match record.

2. Ken Rosewall 15-0
Competing in 15 Grand Slam events during the Open Era, Rosewall was unstoppable in the first round. The Australian won eight Major titles, including the US Open in 1970.

3. Rod Laver 11-0
The Australian legend won all 11 of the first round matches he played in Open Era Grand Slam tournaments that used the 128-player draw, seven round format. During these 11 campaigns, Laver won titles at Wimbledon (1968 and 1969), the French Open (1969) and the US Open (1969).