Carlos Alcaraz Dominates Walton To Begin Grand Slam Bid

The 2026 Australian Open erupted into action at Melbourne Park as world number one Carlos Alcaraz began his quest for tennis history with a commanding first-round victory over Australian qualifier Adam Walton. Under the bright lights of Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night, Alcaraz dispatched Walton 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2, setting the tone for what could be a defining fortnight in the young Spaniard’s career.

Alcaraz, just 22 years old, is chasing a feat that has eluded even some of the sport’s greatest names: becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to win all four major singles titles at least once. With two Roland Garros crowns (2024, 2025), two Wimbledon titles (2023, 2024), and two US Open trophies (2022, 2025) already on his shelf, the Australian Open is the final piece missing from his career Grand Slam puzzle. If he can lift the trophy in Melbourne, he’ll surpass his compatriot Rafael Nadal, who completed the set at age 24, and join tennis immortals like Don Budge and Bjorn Borg in the record books.

But Sunday’s opener against Walton was far from a ceremonial stroll. The local underdog, ranked world number 79, played with the kind of fearless aggression that Grand Slam crowds adore. Walton’s flat groundstrokes and baseline tenacity forced Alcaraz into extended rallies and moments of genuine discomfort, especially in a second set that saw the Spaniard trailing 1-3 before he found his groove.

“I am really happy to step onto the court once again for the first time this season. It could not have been better, playing here on the Rod Laver Arena,” Alcaraz said after the match, his relief and satisfaction palpable. “It was a good match. I felt great and Adam pulled off some great shots, a great level in the match, so I had to stay there at this kind of level.”

Alcaraz’s numbers told a story of both brilliance and vulnerability. He struck 38 winners, including eight aces, but also tallied 36 unforced errors—a sign that early-season rust and Walton’s resistance pushed him to dig deeper than the scoreline might suggest. The match stretched just over two hours, with the second set tiebreak providing the night’s most dramatic moments. Alcaraz, channeling the power and precision that have become his trademarks, roared through the breaker 7-2 to seize control.

“It was really, really difficult to find the good spots,” Alcaraz admitted, reflecting on Walton’s defiant play. “It felt he was always in a good position. Long rallies. He was solid from the baseline and his flat ball was sometimes really difficult for me. Getting used to the conditions and the court, but it was a really solid match.”

This Australian Open marks a new chapter for Alcaraz. For the first time in his professional career, he’s competing without the guidance of long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, with whom he parted ways in December 2025 after a seven-year partnership. The coaching change has already sparked conversation in the tennis world, with many wondering how the absence of Ferrero’s steadying influence might affect the young star’s bid for further glory. Under the guidance of coach Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz has retooled aspects of his game—most notably his serve, which now bears more than a passing resemblance to that of Novak Djokovic, the very man who has often blocked his path in Melbourne.

Alcaraz’s focus on improvement was evident throughout the match. After a ferocious forehand helped him grab the first break for a 5-3 lead in the opening set, he closed it out with authority. The second set, however, saw Walton raise his level, forcing Alcaraz to weather a barrage of deep, flat shots and to claw his way back from a break down. The packed Rod Laver Arena, buzzing with anticipation, witnessed both players trading blows in a series of long, punishing rallies that showcased the best of modern baseline tennis.

In the end, Alcaraz’s superior shot-making and big-match experience proved decisive. He broke Walton’s resistance in the third set, racing to a 6-2 finish and booking his spot in the second round. There, he’ll face Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, who advanced after a hard-fought win over American qualifier Zachary Svajda. For Alcaraz, each match in Melbourne is another step toward tennis history—and another test of his ability to adapt, improve, and deliver under pressure.

Despite the straight-sets victory, Alcaraz was quick to acknowledge his opponent’s effort. “Adam (showed) a great level in the match so I had to stay there. Overall, I’m happy with the level I played at today,” he said. “It was difficult to find good spots (against him)… he was always in a good position, long rallies and solid from the baseline. His flat ball was sometimes really difficult for me. It was a really solid match and when he was able to step in on the court and play aggressive, he did, and that made it really difficult in the match.”

The Melbourne crowd, always appreciative of a homegrown battler, gave Walton a warm ovation as he left the court. For the Australian, the match marked a spirited effort in his home Slam and a valuable experience against the world’s best. For Alcaraz, it was a reminder that no Grand Slam journey is ever easy—especially when history is on the line.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, there were opening-day wins for Alexander Zverev, Frances Tiafoe, and Michael Zheng, while British lefty Cameron Norrie survived a five-set thriller. Notably, former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to injury, and Venus Williams, competing as the oldest woman ever in the singles main draw, bowed out in a three-set battle against Olga Danilovic.

As the first Grand Slam of the year gets underway, all eyes remain on Alcaraz. Can he break his Australian Open quarterfinal ceiling and etch his name in the history books? With his blend of raw power, technical refinement, and youthful hunger, the world number one is off to a flying start—but the road to the title, and a career Grand Slam, is only just beginning. Next up: a clash with Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, as Melbourne Park braces for more fireworks from tennis’s brightest young star.

For now, Alcaraz has done exactly what was required—advance, adapt, and keep the dream alive. The 2026 Australian Open promises more twists and turns, but if Sunday night was any indication, Carlos Alcaraz is ready for anything the tournament throws his way.