To gear up for the Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz participated in the charity event ‘The Rising Stars’. The organization of the 2025 Australian Open has set the schedule for exhibition matches in the week leading up to the first Grand Slam of the year. The matches took place at the Rod Laver Arena, thus he arrives primed for the official competition.
He faced Australian Alex de Miñaur on Wednesday, January 8, in a match he lost 7-4, 4-6, 10-5. Alcaraz also played against Alexei Popyrin on Friday, January 10, securing a win with a score of 6-3, 6-4. Therefore, the Spanish player is well-prepared to take on Kazakh player Shevchenko.
This tournament at the Australian Open features high-level competition, as expected. Jannik Sinner, the reigning champion, is a major favorite. However, he won’t meet Alcaraz until a potential final, but the Murcian has a challenging draw ahead of him.
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Alcaraz is one of the biggest attractions at Melbourne Park, competing with Novak Djokovic likely waiting in the quarter-finals, undoubtedly a titanic clash. Should he win, Alexander Zverev would await him in the semi-finals, undeniably a thorny path.
A thrilling match is anticipated between both players, reflecting the quality they possess. Alcaraz is clearly favored against Shevchenko, who has already participated in the 2025 United Cup this season.
The 24-year-old Kazakh Shevchenko currently ranks 72nd in the ATP. On paper, he presents an accessible challenge for Alcaraz. They have faced each other once on tour, with the Spanish player winning in the second round of the 2024 Madrid Masters 1000 by a score of 6-2, 6-1. This will mark their first encounter on hard court at a Grand Slam like the Australian Open.
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