"I need weeks of practice, I need long preseasons": Carlos Alcaraz returns at 2025 Australian Open after taking different approach

Nobody has made an impact like the young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz among players emerging over the past decade. The 21-year-old has quickly risen to the top of the tennis world. He consistently puts on fantastic displays when competing. Alcaraz already has four Grand Slam titles to his name. He will look to add more throughout the 2025 season.

Earlier today, he kicked off his Australian Open campaign with a dominant 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 victory over Alexander Shevchenko. Shevchenko is a formidable opponent, known for his powerful serves and aggressive play. This is Alcaraz's first tournament of 2025. Judging by the result of his first match, it appears to have been a wise decision.

Many would argue that Alcaraz is already destined to be recognised as one of the best players in the game. His all-round game is incredible. He has a sensational forehand, fantastic speed, and a grit and desire to win that are hard to match. It is awe-inspiring to think that the Spanish player may not even be in his prime yet. After all, he has only just turned 21. He has already captured four Grand Slam titles, which is more than the likes of Andy Murray and Andy Roddick.

He doesn’t look like stopping any time soon. Alcaraz has already secured the French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon titles. The final Slam to check off his list is the Australian Open. After a dominant opening round, he must be considered one of the favourites. Alcaraz was clearly pleased with his performance as he looks ahead to the second round.

"I think I played at a great level. You never know what the first match of the season will be like. I was confident that I would be good, but you never know. I'm just pleased with the level I played at and everything I've done today. But I want to improve in the next round," Alcaraz stated in his press conference. His words displayed a humble and focused mindset.

"Well, it is something that I'm working on. For example, when everything is going well, you're happy. Everything is going the right way, so you don’t lose focus. It feels like I’m just thinking about staying in a good rhythm. I knew that I had to stay focused.

"I knew that I had to maintain a good rhythm. The performance level is going to be consistent again. That is on my mind—not losing focus, but recovering my rhythm. That’s what I tried to do in the second set. As I said, it’s the first match of the season.

"What happened was normal—losing focus slightly. I want to try to prevent that from happening again in the next round. Yeah, I’m just trying to focus on my game again."

The Australian Open is the first major tournament of the year. It is always interesting to see how athletes prepare for such a big stage. Some players prioritise a tournament beforehand to sharpen their skills and gain match fitness. Others opt for a longer pre-season. It all depends on what the athlete feels is best for them. Many of his competitors played in tournaments. Meanwhile, Alcaraz was preparing for the tennis calendar. The two-time Wimbledon champion opted out of earlier fixtures to extend his training camp. Alcaraz defended his decision after his opening-round victory.

"Well, I don’t know why it was for them. But I prefer to do a good pre-season, which is a little bit longer. That’s it. I prefer to have two weeks of pre-season instead of four. We don’t have too much time in December to have a long pre-season," the Spaniard explained.

"Start at a 250 tournament, like the United Cup. You have to think about what’s better for you: stay at home and do the pre-season instead of playing any tournament, or skip the pre-season and play some matches before the Grand Slam. I decided not to come. I think I’m in an age that I need weeks of practice. I need long preseasons just to be ready. Then the season is going to be long, so you have to be in a good shape. That’s why I decide not to play any tournament before the Grand Slam, coming straight to here.”

Next up for the world number three seed is Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka. He is coming off a victory against Aziz Dougaz. The Japanese player is currently ranked 65th in the world. He will aim to cause a major upset against a player ranked 62 places above him. The two have met before, with Alcaraz winning in straight sets. This match against Nishioka is crucial for Alcaraz. A win will bring him one step closer to his fifth Grand Slam title. The Spaniard will hope for a similar result this time around.