Former Serena Williams coach, Rick Macci, has backed Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz to win at least two Grand Slam titles in 2027, provided he remains fit.
Macci’s prediction followed Alcaraz’s return from a lengthy injury layoff at the US Open, where the Spaniard reached the quarter-finals before suffering a five-set defeat to American Ben Shelton.
Alcaraz, 23, endured an interrupted 2026 campaign after winning the Australian Open in January.
He defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the final to claim his first title at Melbourne Park and complete a career Grand Slam.
However, a right wrist injury in April forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon.
He subsequently went 139 days without playing a singles match before making his comeback at the US Open.
Macci, who previously coached Williams, was impressed by Alcaraz’s mentality during his return and believes the experience will make him stronger next season.
“The Spanish Magician, barring injury in 2027, will take another step towards rare air and bag at least two, maybe three, Grand Slams,” Macci wrote on X.
“What I saw mentally from him at the US Open was another level of you cannot make this up. From adversity and fear, you find another gear from ear to ear.
“He showed me and the world more superpowers after not being in combat for 139 days.
Most observers do not understand or appreciate what he did and how he did it.
“Forget the winning and losing, as that, to me, is a by-product. Next year he will be tougher and even better mentally, and locked in deeper and rougher.”
Alcaraz had entered the 2026 season in strong form, compiling a 22-3 record before his injury and winning the Doha title.
He also became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the career Grand Slam with his Australian Open triumph.
His seven Grand Slam titles comprise two US Open crowns, two Wimbledon titles, two French Open trophies and one Australian Open title.
At the US Open, Alcaraz opened his campaign with a straight-sets victory over Roman Safiullin and later defeated Tommy Paul to reach the quarter-finals.
Shelton then ended his run in a marathon encounter that finished at 3:33am.
The American prevailed 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7), with the result ending Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments.
Despite the defeat, Alcaraz said before the tournament that he had not set specific expectations for his return.
“At the beginning of the tournament, I didn’t come in with any expectations.
It was simply about coming here and seeing how my body responded, how my wrist responded in particular, and above all enjoying being back in competition,” Alcaraz said after reaching the quarterfinals.
Alcaraz will now look to build on his US Open return as he targets another strong Grand Slam campaign in 2027, with staying injury-free likely to be central to his plans.
