Carlos Alcaraz brings brother Alvaro onto coaching team in prominent role: "He knows how we operate and how the tour works, and he knows a lot about tennis"

Carlos Alcaraz says his level is “getting better and better” after booking his place in the second week of the 2026 Australian Open, following a shot-making win over Corentin Moutet that tested both his patience and focus.

Facing a player who thrives on disrupting rhythm, Alcaraz admitted it was not always easy to find his flow, but he was pleased with how he managed the match and stayed mentally engaged throughout.

“I think today I just got whatever I could, which I’m really happy about,” Alcaraz said in his post match press conference. “I’m happy about the level, happy about the match. There were a few highlights, and I’m excited to keep it going.”

Moutet’s variety — mixing drop shots, slices and changes of pace — forced Alcaraz to constantly adjust his positioning, something he acknowledged made maintaining focus especially challenging in a Grand Slam setting.

“When you don’t know what’s coming, he could do whatever he wants to do,” Alcaraz explained. “You can go a little bit farther back on the court and then right away he makes a drop shot. If you go forward, he goes with topspin. Sometimes it’s just tricky.”

Despite those challenges, Alcaraz felt he handled the momentum shifts well, particularly when things briefly moved away from him.

“When things didn’t go my way, I stayed there and tried to win my good moments again, my good rhythm,” he said. “After the second set, I started to play my style and my game again. I’m pleased and happy that I had good focus during the whole match.”

Next up for the Spaniard is Tommy Paul, a familiar opponent with whom Alcaraz has shared several tight battles. While confident in his own game, the world number one knows he will have to be ready for long, physical exchanges.

“He’s really, really fast. He has great shots and good hands,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve got to play my style, my tennis, if I want to beat him. But I know I’m going to suffer, and I have to accept the tough moments that are going to be in the match.”

That ability to embrace discomfort has become a key part of Alcaraz’s mindset, particularly in the biggest tournaments.

“I’m trying to feel comfortable in those rallies, in those tough moments,” he added. “That’s what I have to do if I want to beat Tommy.”

Off the court, Alcaraz also spoke about the evolving dynamic within his coaching team at Melbourne Park, where the coaching box is positioned closer to the players. Rather than setting expectations before matches, he prefers to trust his team’s instincts.

“They already know it because my team knows me pretty well,” he said. “Sometimes they give me tactical stuff, sometimes they just try to make me smile on the court, which sometimes I need.”

That support structure is set to become even more prominent, with Alcaraz confirming that his brother, Álvaro, will take on a larger role alongside his current coach Samuel López, following Juan Carlos Ferrero’s departure from the team.

“My brother is a very important person in my personal and professional life,” Alcaraz said during the Spanish part of the press conference. “He brings me many positive things that I need to perform better on court and in tournaments. Now he’s going to take on more prominence alongside Samu.

“He knows how we operate and how the tour works, and he knows a lot about tennis. Sometimes he has opinions and a way of seeing things that bring a lot to me and to Samu. I’m happy to see him in the box, more involved, because he brings me a lot.”

Alcaraz also reflected on the lighter moments around the tournament, particularly his enjoyment of the one-point slam exhibition held during qualifying week. He believes having fun away from the constant grind of practice can be invaluable during a long Grand Slam.

“Sometimes staying away from the professional focus and having that part of fun helps you a lot,” he said. “You come back to practice or matches with a fresh mind.”

While he resisted comparisons with his form during last year’s US Open — where he reached the final — Alcaraz is encouraged by the steady progress he feels match by match.

“I’m happy with the way I see myself improving every match and every practice,” he said. “I know that I’m going to keep moving forward, and I’m excited about that.”