Carlos Alcaraz is one of 4 men to hold record that eluded Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Carlos Alcaraz extended his unbeaten record in opening round matches at Grand Slams with his straight-set victory over Alexander Shevchenko at the 2025 Australian Open.
The world No 3, who is the defending French Open and Wimbledon champion, saw off Shevchenko, who is ranked 77th in the world, 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 at Melbourne Park.
The Spaniard is one of only four men who have not lost in the first round of a major, with even the Big Three suffering this fate on multiple occasions each.
Roger Federer lost six opening round Grand Slam matches, Rafael Nadal was beaten in three, while Novak Djokovic has fallen in two.
Here are the four players with a 100% win rate in opening round men’s singles matches at Grand Slams in the Open Era (in 128-player, seven round draws).
Rod Laver – 11-0
Rod Laver won all 11 of the first round matches he played in Open Era Grand Slam tournaments that used the 128-player draw, seven round format.
From these 11 campaigns, the Australian icon secured titles at Wimbledon (1968 and 1969), the French Open (1969) and the US Open (1969). In total, Laver won 11 majors and 72 singles titles recognised by the ATP in his career.
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Ken Rosewall – 15-0
Ken Rosewall amassed a perfect 15-0 record in opening round contests at 128-player draw majors in the Open Era.
From these 15 Grand Slams, the Australian great won the US Open in 1970, while he was also a runner-up at Wimbledon (1970 and 1974) and the US Open (1974). Rosewall won eight major titles and 40 ATP-listed singles titles overall.
Carlos Alcaraz – 16-0
Alcaraz has won every first round match he has played in his 16 Grand Slam main draw appearances in his career to date.
The 21-year-old Spanish star has secured four titles from his 15 previous major campaigns and has reached at least the quarter-finals nine times. Alcaraz’s opening round win at the 2025 Australian Open took his Grand Slam record to a superb 61-11.
Bjorn Borg – 26-0
Bjorn Borg holds the record for the most opening round major matches won without losing, having finished his career with a perfect 26-0 record.
The Swedish legend won 11 Grand Slam titles and advanced to the quarter-finals or better in 21 of his 26 major main draw appearances. Borg compiled an outstanding 141-16 Grand Slam match record.
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