It is no secret that Carlos Alcaraz has important ambitions in this edition of the Australian Open.
The current world No.1 – who has never won at Melbourne Park up to this point in his career – wants to break this curse in the 2026 edition, in what will also be his first official tournament without Juan Carlos Ferrero by his side.
Their partnership ended against all odds after more than seven years and Samuel Lopez became his main coach, waiting to see if he will keep this role for the rest of the season. Those who have been able to see the 22-year-old Spaniard practicing these days have reported that he feels very good and is really motivated.
Carlitos wants the Australian Open title
The level shown by Carlitos during the exhibition match against Alex de Minaur today impressed everyone, considering that he did not participate in any official tournament before the Happy Slam. The star from Murcia shone with all the shots and never got distracted, showing again that consistency that had characterized him for most of last season (especially from spring onwards).
The six-time Grand Slam champion will have two more days to practice, before making his debut at the AO on Sunday, January 18.
In an interview with 'TNT Sports', Australian legend Todd Woodbridge analyzed Alcaraz's performance against de Minaur: “It was a pretty impressive match, when you listen to them, they’re pretty relaxed. Not too worried about a win or a loss, but when you see what Carlos Alcaraz produced, that was incredible.”
He also added: “I’m sitting courtside watching, the speed, the power, the injection of pace, was extraordinary. I’m having second thoughts, because I picked Jannik Sinner to go for the three-peat, but from what I watched there, it’s going to be tough for Jannik. But there is so much to play out, of course.”
Most fans and insiders are convinced that the AO final will be between Alcaraz and Sinner, who dominated the last eight Major tournaments.
