French Open Approves Carlos Alcaraz Nickname After Grand Slam Win
French Open Approves Carlos Alcaraz Nickname After Grand Slam Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Rafael Nadal earned the title "King of Clay" due to his dominance on the clay court throughout his 23-year tennis career. Now, it looks like his heir apparent is here, with the French Open even approving it.
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Making it even better, it's a fellow Spaniard in World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.
After Alcaraz beat World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set showdown that lasted five hours and 29 minutes — the longest Roland-Garros final in history — the French Open celebrated the 22-year-old tennis sensation with a powerful message on social media.
"CARLOS II, PRINCE OF CLAY," the French Open wrote, approving the popular nickname that fans have called Alcaraz for some time now due to his clay-court brilliance reminiscent of Nadal's heydays.
Carlos Alacaraz's latest win marks his second French Open title after claiming the clay Grand Slam in 2024, so he definitely has the credentials to be called the "Prince of Clay."
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It's also worth noting that Alcaraz made history during the 2025 French Open by becoming the second-fastest player to reach 20 wins at Roland-Garros over the last 25 years. Interestingly, Rafael Nadal is the only player who did it better than Alcaraz during that span.
Sure enough, it will be quite difficult for Alcaraz — or anyone for that matter — to match or surpass what Rafael Nadal did at the French Open. Fourteen titles and a 112-4 record in the Grand Slam competition is no easy feat. However, there's no denying that Alcaraz is on the right track.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses with the French Open trophy after winning the final against Jannik Sinner.Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
When Nadal won his fifth career Grand Slam title, he was 22 years, one month and three days old. Alcaraz, for his part, turned 22 years, one month and three days old when he won the French Open on Sunday for his fifth Grand Slam title.
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Related: Carlos Alcaraz is Turning Heads After French Open Announcement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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