Australian Open 2026 | Business as usual for world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz who cruises to comfortable victory in first match without Ferrero

All eyes were averted to the world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who played his first competitive match without long term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. He coped very well, fending off Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open.

Alcaraz has echoed the importance of this competition, looking to secure the only Grand Slam title he has not collected to become the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam, overtaking fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

He started with a very solid victory over a home favourite, who was unable to create many chances against a ruthless and controlled Alcaraz, who was relieved to avoid what would have been an incredible upset.

Not having Ferrero in his camp did not seem to faze Alcaraz, who is now working alongside Samuel Lopez. All the speculation in the off-season had come down to this match and tournament. So far, so good for the six-time Grand Slam champion, who is desperate to make it seven in two weeks.

As expected, Alcaraz was on the front foot from the start. He Had an early break chance to take a 2-0 lead but was unable to convert. The Aussie fans on Rod Laver Arena was desperately hoping for a seismic upset from their tennis player, but that seemed increasingly unlikely with the Spaniard taking command.

After holding to love to go 4-3 ahead, he made it seven points on the spin to create three break point opportunities. The first two were not taken, but he made no mistake with the third to offer him a chance to serve for the set. He accomplished this with ease, and was two sets away from the second round.

This task grew slightly more complicated when Walton produced a break of his own from nowhere, giving the world number one something to ponder. This advantage lasted a matter of minutes, with a determined Alcaraz instantly putting the set back on serve. Both players remained relatively comfortable on their serve, with a tiebreak needed to split the competitors up. This proved no issue for Alcaraz, who won five of the first six points to sail in front. He wrapped it up, leaving Walton with a massive challenge.

A similar story occurred in the third set. Alcaraz remained in control throughout as his opponent looked to try and create some sort of an opportunity. He was not able to, with Alcaraz breaking to love as he raced into a 4-2 lead.

He was in no mood to be waiting around, however. After going into an imperious 5-2 lead, he created two match point opportunities against the serve. The second one was taken, and Alcaraz confirms his place in the next round.

While someone who usually fails to deliver his best game in Australia, Alcaraz will be hoping all the hard work and preparation put into this tournament will be enough to get him over the line. His next opponent comes in the form of Germany's Yannick Hanfmann as the competition gets underway in Melbourne.