Alcaraz Now Has Second-Best Win-Loss Record At Grand Slams Before Turning 21

Carlos Alcaraz is part of an exclusive club of players with the highest winning percentage at Grand Slam level before turning 21.

Alcaraz defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to advance into another semifinal at the US Open, keeping his title defense intact. He'll take on Daniil Medvedev in a rematch of the Wimbledon semifinal just two months ago.

The 20-year-old's swashbuckling performance against Zverev earned him his 41st match win in the main draw of a Grand Slam. According to Opta, Alcaraz improved to an 83.7% winning record at the majors among players before turning 21, surpassing Mats Wilander and moving into second spot.

The list which also features Rafael Nadal (82.5%) in fourth place is headed by retired icon Bjorn Borg (84.4%). Nadal won two of his 22 Slams before turning 21, while Borg won three of his 11 majors in that regard. The Swede has the highest Grand Slam winning percentage among players before turning 21 in the Open Era.

Alcaraz could realistically win two more Slams before he celebrates his 21st birthday next May, since he is still active at the 2023 US Open, and barring any unavoidable circumstances, he'll be able to play the Australian Open next year after he was forced to miss it this season due to injury. Alcaraz will be in a prime position to take this overall record.

In the event he wins the US Open this weekend, he'll become the first player to successfully defend the New York Slam in 15 years, joining one of his heroes Roger Federer in that club, and Alcaraz has spoken fondly of achieving this feat.

The two-time Grand Slam champion still has two matches to overcome, one against World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal on Friday and a second, potentially against Novak Djokovic in a rematch of the Wimbledon and Cincinnati finals.