Can Carlos Alcaraz Claim the World No. 1 Spot Again by 2026?

Carlos Alcaraz finished the 2025 season as the top player in the world, a title he has now achieved twice, having first done so in 2022. Last year, he won eight titles and reached three finals, securing victory on all three surfaces.

Most of his success occurred during an impressive five-month period from Monte Carlo to Tokyo. In that time, Alcaraz reached the final in every tournament he played, winning two Major titles and three Masters events. This strong performance pushed him past the 12,000-point mark in the rankings, making him only the fifth player this century, joining the Big Four, to reach that milestone at the season’s end.

With a stellar year behind him, it’s natural to wonder what lies ahead. Here’s a look at why Alcaraz might replicate his impressive 2025 season in the upcoming year.

The Case for an Alcaraz Repeat

Momentum and a Mental Edge

Even with significant off-season changes, Alcaraz maintains strong momentum, both on tour and in his rivalry with Jannik Sinner.

Despite a close loss to Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals, Alcaraz has won seven of their last nine matchups, including a decisive win at the US Open. This track record gives him a key mental advantage over Sinner, the only player who consistently matches him in skill.

Furthermore, Alcaraz has minimized his unexpected losses in the latter part of the season. With only one surprising defeat on a slow Paris court, he demonstrated impressive consistency for over six months — a notable improvement in his game.

Entering His Prime

Timing is another important factor for Alcaraz. He is entering his prime, contrasting with Novak Djokovic, who is past his peak, and Sinner, who has been in his peak phase for several seasons.

This sense of confidence is especially advantageous for a free-flowing player like Alcaraz. His creativity thrives on confidence, a trait that benefits his game significantly.

Importantly, Alcaraz is still refining his skills. His serve, which was average before, has turned into a significant weapon over the past year, evident during his US Open hard-court performances. This continuous improvement while already at the top creates a challenging scenario for other players.

A Fresh Voice

While the partnership between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero has been successful, reports of tension suggest that stepping away from that relationship could ultimately be beneficial for Alcaraz on the court.

A change of voice can sometimes be necessary after a long period of success, something often seen in elite sports. The key difference now is that Samuel Lopez is someone familiar with Alcaraz’s game and whom he already trusts.

Significantly, there likely won’t be a lengthy adjustment period. Alcaraz secured five of his eight titles last season with Lopez, indicating a solid foundation for ongoing success.

Ranking Points Still Available

At first glance, reaching nine consecutive finals in 2025 might suggest limited chances for additional ranking points. However, the reality is quite the opposite.

Alcaraz missed out on over 4,000 Masters points. He faced early exits in Miami and Paris and couldn’t compete in Madrid and Canada. These missed events represent substantial opportunities for 2026.

He also has potential for improvement at the Australian Open, where he hasn’t yet shown his best performance. Entering Melbourne as the top seed, equipped with an improved serve and better tactical skills, could make a significant difference.

Final Outlook

Given his current form, ongoing development, refreshed approach, and a schedule that still offers major point-scoring possibilities, Alcaraz seems poised for another strong year.

If things align well, he could become the first player since Novak Djokovic in the mid-2010s to finish two consecutive seasons at the top of men’s tennis.