Carlos Alcaraz has faced fan backlash after displaying a racket bag at the Miami Open inscribed with 'YOUNGEST EVER TO WIN THE 4 OF THEM (Grand Slams),' overlooking women's tennis records set by Steffi Graf and Serena Williams at younger ages. Journalist José Morgado clarified it refers to the youngest man, following Alcaraz's recent career grand slam completion.
Following his historic Australian Open triumph in February 2026—where he defeated Novak Djokovic to become the youngest man to complete a career grand slam at 22 years and 272 days, as detailed in prior coverage—Alcaraz has started the year strongly. He won the Qatar Open and entered March with a 17-1 record, despite a loss to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells.
At the Miami Open, Alcaraz carried a white Nike racket bag emblazoned with 'YOUNGEST EVER TO WIN THE 4 OF THEM (Grand Slams).' Fans highlighted the omission of women's achievements: Steffi Graf completed hers at age 19 in 1988, including a calendar-year grand slam, while Serena Williams finished at age 22 with her 2003 Australian Open title.
Social media reactions were swift. One fan tweeted, 'Once again, male tennis players show how little they respect women’s tennis.' Another noted, 'But wasn’t Graf younger when she completed her career GS?' Others emphasized, 'Women doesn’t count in his mind. Serena and Steffi did this younger than him,' and 'A reminder that Steffi Graf is the first player to complete the Career Grand Slam at 19, not Carlos Alcaraz.'
José Morgado, a prominent tennis journalist, posted on social media: 'Youngest Man.' Alcaraz advanced in Miami with a 6-4, 6-4 second-round win over João Fonseca before a pro-Fonseca crowd.
