Match Report
Alcaraz makes smooth start to bid for career Grand Slam
21-year-old is aiming to become youngest player to complete career Grand Slam
January 13, 2025
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Carlos Alcaraz in action against Alexander Shevchenko on Monday in Melbourne.
By Sam Jacot
Carlos Alcaraz is up and running in 2025. Competing in his first match of the season, the Spaniard recovered from a second-set dip to move past Alexander Shevchenko 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 at the Australian Open.
The 21-year is aiming to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam and he made a solid start to his campaign against Shevchenko. Alcaraz struck 37 winners in an aggressive display and quickly rebounded following a drop in level in the second set.
The third seed led 6-1, 3-1 before he went off the boil for 20 minutes on Margaret Court Arena. Alcaraz lost his range on his groundstrokes, with Shevchenko growing in belief to lead 5-3.
However, as is often the case, Alcaraz regrouped, refocused and increased his consistency and aggression from the baseline to turn the set around and gain full control of the match. He then produced moments of magic in the third set, pulling Shevchenko from side to side with his impressive hand skills to advance after one hour and 54 minutes.
“I am pleased to be through. I try to be the better version of myself every day. I work hard and that is the secret to my best level,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview.
Into the second round for the fourth consecutive year, Alcaraz will next meet Yoshihito Nishioka. The Spaniard is chasing his fifth major this fortnight, having won the US Open (2022), Wimbledon twice (2023, 24) and Roland Garros (2024).
Alcaraz’s best result at the AO came last season when he reached the quarter-finals. He is seeded to meet Novak Djokovic at that stage this year, with Alexander Zverev a potential semi-final opponent.
Alcaraz has developed a strong relationship with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero since they teamed six years ago. The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Ferrero missed the Australian Open last year due knee surgery but was back courtside on Day 2 at this year’s event.
“It is great to have him,” Alcaraz said on Ferrero. “I always say being with Juan Carlos is fantastic. Last year he could not be here and I was with Samuel [Lopez]who I trust 100 per cent and is my second coach, but I have been with Juan Carlos for six years now. He knows me well and knows how to get best from me. It is a tournament we want to win one day and hopefully this year.”
In other action, 15th seed Jack Draper rallied from behind to earn a 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win against Mariano Navone after four hours. The British lefty hit 54 winners according to Infosys Stats and will next meet home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis. The Aussie defeated Roman Safiullin 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(5). American Sebastian Korda also started with a win, beating Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 6-3, 0-6, 6-3, 7-6(6). The 22nd seed faces Aleksandar Vukic in the second round.
