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Alcaraz begins Grand Slam quest with opening win
Carlos Alcaraz launched his 2026 Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets triumph over Australian wildcard Adam Walton, moving one step closer to completing a career Grand Slam.
Off-season recharge fuels fresh start
The 22-year-old Spaniard took a nine-week break following a landmark 2025 season, during which he claimed eight titles-including the French Open and US Open-and finished as world number one. His off-season included a holiday in Miami with friends and a relaxing week in Turks and Caicos before returning home to Spain.
Alcaraz described his break as essential for mental recovery. "It was a really long season, a tough one-lots of challenging moments, but also many great ones," he said. "I needed to recharge. Mentally, I feel fresh and ready to compete at my best in Melbourne."
His pre-season routine involved intensive morning training sessions, followed by afternoons spent with family and friends-often playing board games or unwinding at home.
Comfortable win despite early rust
Alcaraz, who has never reached the Australian Open final, advanced to the second round with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory over Walton. The match marked his first Grand Slam appearance since parting ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Despite converting only four of 10 break points and committing 36 unforced errors, Alcaraz dominated key moments, particularly in the second-set tiebreak, which he clinched 7-2. His 38 winners nearly matched his errors, a stat he acknowledged needed improvement ahead of his next match against Germany's Yannick Hanfmann.
"It was tough to find my rhythm early. Walton was aggressive, stepping in well and making me work for every point. His flat shots were tricky, but I managed to raise my level when it mattered."
Carlos Alcaraz
Other Day 1 highlights in men's draw
Third seed Alexander Zverev rallied from a set down to defeat Canada's Gabriel Diallo in four sets. The German, runner-up in 2025, dropped the first-set tiebreak 7-1 but conceded just seven games across the next three sets.
Elsewhere, Kazakhstan's 10th seed Alexander Bublik secured a straight-sets win over Jenson Brooksby, while Francisco Cerundolo, Frances Tiafoe, and Corentin Moutet also advanced without dropping a set.
Road to history
A victory in Melbourne would make Alcaraz the youngest man-and only the ninth overall-to complete a career Grand Slam. Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer is among those who believe he can achieve the feat.
Alcaraz's next challenge, Hanfmann, awaits in the second round as he aims to go deeper than his previous best quarterfinal appearances in 2024 and 2025.
