Carlos Alcaraz arrives at the Australian Open with a smile, as always, and with clear objectives. During media day at Melbourne Park, the world number one appeared relaxed and confident ahead of his opening match on Sunday evening against Australian wildcard Adam Walton.
Inevitably, attention turned to his recent and unexpected split from long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a partnership that played a key role in his rise to the top of the sport. Alcaraz addressed the issue calmly, insisting the decision was taken collectively and without tension.
“I have built my team, which is basically the same as last year,” Alcaraz explained. “Juan Carlos and I made this decision together. I have complete trust in the people around me now. Training has gone really well, I feel very good and I can’t wait to start this tournament.”
The Spaniard avoided going into detail about the reasons behind the change, stressing instead the mutual respect that defined their seven-year collaboration. “There are chapters in life that need to be closed, and we felt this was the right moment,” he said. “I am very grateful for everything Juan Carlos has given me. Thanks to him, I am largely the player I am today. We decided to end this chapter in a friendly way.”
With the coaching situation addressed, Alcaraz quickly shifted focus to his main ambition: winning the Australian Open and completing a career Grand Slam. The Spaniard did not attempt to hide how important the tournament is to him.
“I believe this is my biggest goal this year,” he said. “It’s my first tournament of the season and my biggest objective. I’m hungry, I feel prepared and I really want to win this title.”
True to his playful personality, Alcaraz also revealed his celebratory plans should he lift the trophy in Melbourne. Following tattoos commemorating previous Grand Slam victories, he joked that an Australian Open triumph would earn him another one.
“It would be a kangaroo,” he said with a grin. “Probably on my calf.” With confidence high and motivation clear, Alcaraz begins his Melbourne campaign determined to take the final step towards tennis history.
