Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne
Melbourne, Jan 17: Carlos Alcaraz begins his Australian Open campaign on Sunday, aiming to complete the career Grand Slam that has so far eluded him. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who has already won two French Opens, two US Opens, and two Wimbledons, admitted he is “hungry” for his first title in Melbourne. Alcaraz will kick off his tournament in a night match on Rod Laver Arena against Australia’s Adam Walton, a player he has beaten once before at Queen’s Club in 2025.
“If I win here, it would be my main goal for the year. I’m just hungry for the title,” Alcaraz said. Should he succeed, he would become the youngest man to achieve a career Slam, surpassing Rafael Nadal, and join the exclusive list of legends including Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Rod Laver.
Alcaraz faces stiff competition in Italy’s Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion and Wimbledon winner, who opens against France’s Hugo Gaston. Sinner could potentially meet Novak Djokovic in the semis, setting up a blockbuster clash with Alcaraz in the final. Djokovic, seeking his 25th Grand Slam to surpass Margaret Court, starts against Spain’s Pedro Martinez.
Other early action includes Alexander Zverev facing Canadian Gabriel Diallo, and world number 10 Alexander Bublik taking on Jenson Brooksby.
On the women’s side, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is chasing a third Australian Open crown. She opens against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah after winning the Brisbane title last week. Sabalenka aims to go one better than last year’s runner-up finish.
“Of course, I want to do better than last year,” said Sabalenka, while her chief rival Iga Swiatek, also seeking a career Slam, begins against Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue. Other notable women’s matches on Sunday feature seventh seed Jasmine Paolini, 12th seed Elena Svitolina, and veteran Venus Williams in action.
The 15-day Australian Open promises intense battles and high-stakes drama, with top stars vying to start the season with major glory.