MELBOURNE – Carlos Alcaraz, current world number one, began his participation in the Australian Open with a resounding victory, advancing to the second round of the tournament. The Spanish tennis player defeated Australian Adam Walton in three sets, with scores of 6-3, 7-6(2) and 6-2. This victory marks the beginning of his campaign in the first Grand Slam of the season, a tournament he has not yet won. The match, which lasted two hours and eight minutes, represented Alcaraz’s first official match of the year and his debut without Juan Carlos Ferrero as head coach. Samu López, now leading the technical team, accompanied Alcaraz from the Rod Laver Arena box. Alcaraz demonstrated solidity and control against an opponent backed by the local public, especially in the second set, which was defined in a tie break. In the next round, the Spaniard will face the German Yannick Hanfmann, who defeated the American Zachary Svajda.
Coinciding with Alcaraz’s debut, Juan Carlos Ferrero reappeared publicly on social media. Ferrero expressed his gratitude for the support received after announcing his departure from Alcaraz’s technical team. Ferrero, former world number one and Roland Garros champion, commented that he enjoys more time at home and did not rule out a possible return to the circuit in the future.I am very grateful for all the messages of affection. Now I enjoy more time at home, with my family and at the academy, after so many years traveling.
Juan Carlos Ferrero
