Carlos Alcaraz usurps Novak Djokovic with latest title feat, but won't reach Rafael Nadal's record

Following his title run at the 2024 Indian Wells Open, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has achieved another milestone on the tennis circuit, but will fall short of passing the record set by compatriot Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz successfully defended his Indian Wells crown last weekend, defeating Daniil Medvedev to win his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title. By virtue of his victory, the 20-year old has surpassed World No.1 Novak Djokovic in terms the number of Masters titles won before turning 21, as the Serbian amassed 4 titles by that age.

Although Alcaraz has overtaken Djokovic in a record that the 24-time Grand Slam champion can never take back, the Spaniard himself cannot pass compatriot Nadal. The Roland Garros phenom accumulated a total of nine ATP Masters 1000 titles before turning 21, a record that has been in place since the events were conceived in 1990. With only three Masters 1000 events left on the calendar before Alcaraz turns 21 in May, the reigning Wimbledon champion will not be able to surpass his childhood idol. Retired stars Michael Chang and Andrei Medvedev are tied at three Masters titles apiece before turning 21.