Alcaraz Begins Australian Open Quest for Career Grand Slam

MELBOURNE, Australia — Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz launched his 2025 Australian Open campaign Monday, aiming to complete the career Grand Slam at just 21 years old. The world No. 3 defeated Kazakhstan‘s Alexander Shevchenko 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in his opening match at Melbourne Park‘s Margaret Court Arena.

Alcaraz, who already holds titles at the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, is seeking to become the youngest man in tennis history to win all four majors. Only four men in the Open Era – Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic – have achieved the career Grand Slam.

“I feel ready and motivated,” Alcaraz said in his pre-tournament press conference. “Winning here would be a dream come true and a huge step in my career.”

The Murcia native showed no signs of rust in his first competitive match since November, breaking Shevchenko’s serve five times. Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, took advantage of new tournament rules allowing coaches to sit courtside, offering guidance from a closer vantage point.

Meanwhile, 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic began his quest for an 11th title with a straight-sets win over American Nishesh Basavareddy. The Serbian star, who turns 38 in May, could equal Margaret Court‘s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles with a victory in Melbourne.

In other Day 2 action, defending champion Jannik Sinner extended his winning streak to 16 matches with a victory over Nicolás Jarry. The Italian, who won both the Australian and US Opens in 2024, represents Alcaraz’s biggest obstacle to the title.

“When I see Jannik winning titles and being No. 1, it pushes me to work harder,” Alcaraz said. “This rivalry is great for tennis and for both of us.”

Alcaraz’s next opponent will be Australia’s James Duckworth, who defeated Alejandro Tabilo in four sets. The Spanish star has made several technical adjustments during the offseason, including adding five grams of weight to his racket for better control and power.

If Alcaraz can navigate the draw and lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup on January 26, he would surpass Don Budge as the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. The American legend achieved the feat in 1938 at 22 years and 363 days old.