Alcaraz begins quest to become youngest career Grand Slam winner – Tennis Now
Carlos Alcaraz burst onto the scene in Australia, defeating Australian Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2 on the first night of the 2026 Australian Open.
Alcaraz is aiming to become the sixth and youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors at least once. Iga Swiatek is also vying for the Women’s Career Grand Slam and will face China’s Yuan Yue in tonight’s night match at Rod Laver Arena.
Alcaraz improved his record to 12-4 at the Australian Open, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals last year (his best finish at the tournament to date). This is his fifth appearance in Melbourne and his 20th appearance in a Grand Slam event.
He faced a hungry opponent and had to fight his way through in straight sets.
“Overall very happy,” he said. “To be honest, I was ready for a good fight. At the same time, his performance was a bit unexpected for me. I have to control myself and prepare for this fight. I am happy with the level of the first game of the season.”
Alcaraz will face Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in the second round.
If he can win the title within two weeks, Alcaraz will become the ninth player in history (and the sixth in the Open era) to complete a career men’s singles Grand Slam. Rafael Nadal is the youngest player in the Open era to achieve the feat, completing the career Grand Slam at the 2010 U.S. Open when he was 24 years and 32 days old.
