Alcaraz-López Era Kicks Off in Melbourne
Carlos Alcaraz is set to enter a new chapter of his career at the Australian Open, under the guidance of his new coach, Samuel López. This tournament marks the start of the post-Juan Carlos Ferrero era for Alcaraz. The Spanish tennis star expressed his hunger for titles and his determination to achieve great results at this Grand Slam event, which is the only major still missing from his accolades.
Preparation for the Australian Open
Alcaraz’s journey at the Australian Open begins this Sunday against Australian player Adam Walton. At 26 years old, Walton is currently ranked 79th in the world and has won four Challenger titles in 2025. Alcaraz previously faced and defeated Walton at the Queen’s tournament last year.
Early Insights on Coaching Changes
Despite the coaching change, Alcaraz claims there have not been significant shifts in his training. However, fans will closely watch his performance as he adapts to López’s style. López previously assisted Alcaraz during the 2024 Australian Open when Ferrero was recovering from knee surgery. He made notable adjustments to Alcaraz’s serving technique, enhancing its fluidity and effectiveness.
During media interactions, Alcaraz humorously acknowledged the potential similarities between his serve and that of Novak Djokovic. “No, I don’t try to copy Djokovic,” he said. “Yet, I aim for constant improvement in my serving mechanics.” Alcaraz emphasized that he feels comfortable with minor adjustments in his technique and is excited about perfecting these details throughout the season.
Facing Australian Opponents
This match marks Alcaraz’s first encounter with an Australian opponent in a major tournament. He boasts a flawless record against Australian players, holding a 12-0 victory count in his career. His previous successes include wins over Brooksby and Tiafoe at the US Open in 2022 and triumphs against Tarbet and Norrie at Wimbledon last year.
Debuting in a Grand Slam is always a significant occasion, especially when competing against a home player. As the home crowd rallies behind Walton, Alcaraz remains focused and determined to progress in the tournament. He is aware of the competition landscape but prefers to concentrate on his performance.
Looking Ahead
After a brief rest, Alcaraz prepared for his upcoming challenges by practicing with players like Lorenzo Musetti, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Alexander Zverev. His pre-tournament regimen has emphasized solid preparation, especially as he enters the Australian Open without competing in any prior events.
As the tournament begins, the Alcaraz-López era unfolds in Melbourne, with high hopes for a successful campaign.
