Carlos Alcaraz made a statement on the opening day of the 2026 Australian Open, defeating Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena. The win, his first of the season, also marks Alcaraz’s fifth round two appearance at Melbourne Park and sets the stage for an ambitious fortnight.
The 22-year-old Spaniard was in fine form, hitting 38 winners and showing his trademark grit, particularly in the second set when he rallied from 1-3 down to take control. The standout moment came with a diving, full-stretch volley, a perfectly executed strike that left the crowd gasping and highlighted Alcaraz’s blend of precision and athleticism.
Australian Open, update on 1
Off the field, Alcaraz is undergoing changes after ending his seven-year coaching partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrer in December. But he looks laser-focused on the court, with his sights set on becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to reach a career Grand Slam – a feat that would make him just the sixth in history to dominate all four majors at least once.
CARLOS ALCARAZ HITS AN AMAZING VOLLEY AGAINST WALTON AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN.
He literally dives full, but he controls it perfectly and it falls right over the net.
like what?
pic.twitter.com/d339YfZsFL— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2026
Alcaraz faces Yannick Hanfmann in the second round and looks set to chase down something really massive at Melbourne Park after that dominant start.
Radaducan Eases past WANGKAEW
Emma Raducanu returned to the Australian Open court with poise and authority as she defeated Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1 in the first round at the Margaret Court Arena on Sunday 18 January.
The Brit faced an early test, needing time to find her rhythm, but once settled in took full control. Raducanu’s precision, power and court awareness shone through as she won 10 of her last 11 games to seal a decisive victory and her place in the second round.
Emma Raducanu hits an INCREDIBLE pass at the Australian Open.
Ridiculous defending.
A casual sliding cut around the shot to steal a point.
Like I said Outrageous.
pic.twitter.com/WuBlJzAI7f— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2026
The match also offered glimpses of Raducana at her best. A particularly spectacular moment came when she unleashed a sliding shot on defense that left the crowd gasping. It was a testament to her anticipation, touch and athleticism — a reminder of why her return to full fitness is such a boost to the sport.
Having ended the 2025 season early due to health issues, Raducan’s compound performance in Melbourne is all the more significant. It is her fifth Australian Open second round appearance and she is looking to build momentum as she prepares to face Anastasia Potapova on Wednesday, aiming to channel the confidence that once propelled her to US Open glory.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
January 18, 2026