Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning World No.1, is preparing for the upcoming Australian Open with a blend of excitement and determination. Alcaraz is a six-time major winner, including titles from the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. He has not made it past the last-eight stage at Melbourne Park. Whatever happens next, he’s not taking his focus off the moment—on winning his first Australian Open title. Doing so would give him the elusive career grand slam.
Alcaraz’s quest in Melbourne starts off against Aussie Adam Walton. In Australia, he’ll play an exhibition match against local favorite Alex de Minaur. With such high stakes, this event provides the perfect opportunity to shine prior to the main event. At this year’s Australian Open, Alcaraz will again hold the number one seed, but he won’t have an easy path. This week in Vienna, he’s the second-favorite with the bookmakers, behind two-time defending champ Jannik Sinner.
In a surprising twist during his visit to Melbourne, Alcaraz took the opportunity to engage with fans in an unusual manner. Hidden behind the mask of a Crown Hotel doorman, he welcomed innocent customers – his menacing top hat carefully disguised him. This fun little back-and-forth shows off his relatable, down-to-earth persona and willingness to engage with the grassroots.
Even with all the great things he has accomplished, Alcaraz’s journey towards achieving a career grand slam has been filled with disappointment. He’s had to face some of the nastiest players in Grand Slam tennis over the years at the Australian Open. In 2024, he lost in the quarter-finals to Alexander Zverev, and the year prior he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the last eight. His competitive spirit took center stage last year at Roland Garros when he produced a stunning five set comeback victory.
“He knows about it. It’s like Rory (McIlroy) going for the Masters, you know, those things are tough,” – Roger Federer
We heard recently from Roger Federer on the incredibly fierce rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, and their overall high quality of play. The two have recently clinched the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, enhancing their competitive dynamic in the tennis world.
While Alcaraz knows what’s to come as he looks ahead to this year’s tournament, he’s not letting focus on the past get in his way. The potential of meeting Federer once more in the quarter-finals only adds to the intrigue of the event. With storied pasts for both players, a potential clash of the titans would undoubtedly have boxing fans salivating.
“The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, I think, is a great one. I mean, they play incredible tennis,” – Roger Federer
Heading into the Australian Open, Alcaraz is clearly continuing to stay down to earth on and off the court. He has been vocal about the need to keep the energy and momentum from opening day of the tournament.
“But at the end of the day his momentum shifts towards the first round and then it’s point for point mentality. That’s what it is.” – Roger Federer
Now, as the tournament gets underway, fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see how Alcaraz will slice through his competition. As seen in his past performances, the French Albanian producer is an electric talent. They point to his fierce quest to make a big splash this year’s event.
