Carlos Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam champion, began his 2025 campaign with a commanding win at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old Spaniard overcame Alexander Shevchenko 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 in his first match of the season, advancing to the second round in one hour and 54 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.
Alcaraz, who is vying to become the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam, showed flashes of brilliance despite a brief lapse in the second set. The third seed initially appeared in full control, racing to a 6-1, 3-1 lead. However, Shevchenko capitalized on a dip in Alcaraz’s form, taking a 5-3 lead before the Spaniard refocused to turn the set around.
Alcaraz will now face off with Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka in the next round.
“I try to bring the best of me every day,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. “That’s the secret. Every day I try to be a better person and player.”
The Spaniard’s aggressive baseline play yielded 37 winners, and his improved consistency in the final stages ensured he closed out the match in style. Alcaraz next faces Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka as he aims for his maiden Australian Open title, adding to a résumé that includes victories at the US Open (2022), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and Roland Garros (2024).
Coach Ferrero Returns to Alcaraz’s Corner
This year, Alcaraz’s trusted coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, returned to his courtside role after missing last year’s tournament due to knee surgery. Ferrero has been instrumental in Alcaraz’s rise since their partnership began six years ago.
“It is great to have him,” Alcaraz said of Ferrero. “He knows me well and knows how to get the best from me. It is a tournament we want to win one day, and hopefully, this year.”
Alcaraz is seeded to potentially face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. Last year, he reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, his best performance in the tournament to date.
Highlights from Day 2
Elsewhere, 15th seed Jack Draper staged a dramatic comeback, defeating Mariano Navone 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a four-hour thriller. Draper hit 54 winners to set up a second-round clash with Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis, who overcame Roman Safiullin in four sets.
American Sebastian Korda also advanced, defeating Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 6-3, 0-6, 6-3, 7-6(6). The 22nd seed will meet Aleksandar Vukic in the next round.
With an ambitious start to 2025, Alcaraz’s focus on hard work and consistency remains key as he chases history at Melbourne Park.
