Carlos Alcaraz Sets Sights on Australian Open in 2026
Spain’s tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has declared the Australian Open as his top priority for the 2026 season. After taking the World No. 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner last year, Alcaraz is determined to challenge the defending champion ahead of this year’s first Grand Slam.
While Alcaraz has secured titles at every Grand Slam event except the Australian Open—an accolade Sinner has claimed consecutively—he made it clear in a recent press conference that he’s eager to capture that elusive title and achieve a Career Grand Slam.
“I’m really excited for the tournament to start,” Alcaraz shared with reporters before his Round 1 match. “I’m just hungry for the title and ready to give my best here.”
Alcaraz’s New Coaching Path
In a significant change, this marks the first time Alcaraz will compete without his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has guided him since he turned professional at the age of 15. The two had a successful seven-year partnership, winning 24 titles together, including six Grand Slams.
“Well, this is my main goal for the year. It’s the first tournament, and I’m really curious to see how my preparation pays off,” he commented. “I believe I’ve had a solid pre-season and I’m feeling ready.”
Moving forward, Samuel Lopez will take on the coaching duties in Ferrero’s absence. Alcaraz emphasized that there are no hard feelings regarding the coaching change.
“Juan Carlos and I agreed on this. I have a lot of faith in my current team, and the training has gone really well,” Alcaraz explained. “I am just looking forward to the tournament with the team I have right now.”
Alcaraz also expressed gratitude for the years spent with Ferrero, noting, “I’ve learned so much. He’s a big part of who I am as a player today. We ended things amicably and still maintain a good relationship.”
In his opening match at the Australian Open, Alcaraz will face Australian player Adam Walton.
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Reported by: Kingshuk Kusari
Published on: Jan 16, 2026
