In a display of sheer class, Carlos Alcaraz launched his Australian Open campaign with a clinical 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 thrashing of local hope Adam Walton on Day 2 of the tournament. The teenage sensation from Spain, already a winner at the US Open and Wimbledon, silenced the partisan Melbourne crowd with a masterclass in baseline power and precision.
Walton, punching above his weight after a grueling qualifying odyssey, started brightly, holding serve comfortably in his opening service games. Yet Alcaraz’s relentless pressure soon yielded the first break, and from there, the 20-year-old dictated terms. His backhand down the line became a weapon of choice, while Walton struggled to find rhythm on his groundstrokes.
The Australian’s best chance came in the second set when he earned break-back opportunities, only for Alcaraz to dig deep with booming serves and spectacular defensive play. ‘It’s always tough playing in front of a home crowd against a local player,’ Alcaraz acknowledged. ‘I respect Adam a lot – he made me work for it early on.’
Sealing the match with a forehand winner, Alcaraz improved to 8-1 lifetime in Grand Slam first rounds. Next up is a tricky encounter with Tallon Griekspoor, who brings big-serving menace to the court. With Djokovic nursing a minor wrist concern and Sinner riding high after his ATP Finals triumph, Alcaraz knows every point counts in the title hunt.
This victory wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was a psychological boost for Alcaraz after hip troubles hampered his 2023 campaign. As Rod Laver Arena awaits the later stages, the Spaniard looks primed to go deep and potentially claim the one major eluding him so far.
