Carlos Alcaraz began his quest for a career Grand Slam with a straight-sets win over Adam Walton at the Australian Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who took a nine-week break after a stellar 2025 season, showed little rust in his first match since splitting from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. He won 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.

Victory in Melbourne would make Alcaraz the youngest men's singles player to complete the career Slam, joining a group of just nine. He described his off-season recharging with a Miami holiday and time at home in Spain. His pre-season routine balanced morning training with afternoons off for family and board games.

While Alcaraz converted only four of ten break points and committed 36 errors, he praised his opponent's solid baseline play. He faces Germany's Yannick Hanfmann next. In other day-one action, third seed Alexander Zverev came from a set down to defeat Gabriel Diallo, while top seed Aryna Sabalenka also advanced.