Carlos Alcaraz wasted no time in making a statement at the 2025 Australian Open, winning with a dominant 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 victory over Alexander Shevchenko on Margaret Court Arena . The four-time Grand Slam champion showed his trademark blend of power and precision, although a brief slump in the second set hinted at areas for refinement as he targets a deep run in Melbourne.
A Sharp Alcaraz
Recently coming off an intense offseason, Alcaraz showed notable improvements in his game. His serve was more consistent, his movements fluid and his court coverage exceptional. However, the world number 3 conceded a rare break in the second set, a lapse he will look to avoid as the competition strengthens. With ambitions to reach uncharted territory at the Australian Open—where he has yet to advance past the quarterfinals—Alcaraz’s early performance is a promising start.
Under the guidance of his experienced coaching duo, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel López, the Spaniard honed his skills and mental game. The duo’s collaboration, strengthened by López’s withdrawal from his partnership with Pablo Carreño Busta, signals a concentrated effort to elevate Alcaraz into the realm of tennis legends.
An Unbeaten Grand Slam Record
At just 21 years old, Alcaraz achieved a remarkable feat: remaining undefeated in the first round of Grand Slam tournaments. With a perfect 16-0 record, he now ranks second in history for the best first-round winning streak, trailing only Bjorn Borg’s legendary 26-0 mark. His consistent starts put him ahead of tennis icons like Ken Rosewall (15-0) and Rod Laver (11-0), cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
In search of history
Alcaraz has made no secret of his aspirations to rewrite tennis history. With four Grand Slam titles, five Masters 1000 victories and the distinction of being the youngest player to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year, the Spaniard is already etching his name alongside the greatest of all time.
When speaking about his goals, Alcaraz emphasized the importance of continuous improvement:
“I know what I want to accomplish. Every match, every tournament is part of a bigger goal: to be recognized as one of the greatest.”
Looking to the future
As the tournament progresses, Alcaraz will need to maintain his momentum and correct small lapses to preserve his energy for the following rounds. His path to a maiden Australian Open title will likely involve potential clashes with top opponents, including Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
With his undeniable talent and a desire to dominate, Alcaraz set the stage for another electrifying campaign. The 2025 Australian Open could be the next chapter in his quest to redefine the sport.
