Alcaraz swats aside Walton in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open, beginning his bid to complete a career Grand Slam with a straight-sets victory. The world No. 1 progressed at Melbourne Park after defeating Australian Adam Walton in their opening match.
Alcaraz swats aside Walton to open campaign
Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz won his first match at the 2026 Australian Open in straight sets against Adam Walton. Alcaraz took the match 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2, showing strong form and control throughout. Walton, ranked outside the top 70, challenged but could not sustain pressure against the top seed. Alcaraz’s win moved him into the second round.
Match details and performance
Alcaraz dominated from the baseline, mixing powerful groundstrokes with precise serves. He broke Walton’s serve early and maintained the lead, forcing errors from the Australian. The second set went to a tiebreak, where Alcaraz pulled ahead and sealed the set. In the third set, he continued to dictate play and closed out the match with consistent hitting and movement.
Career Grand Slam bid begins
The victory marks the start of Alcaraz’s campaign to become one of the few men to complete a career Grand Slam, winning all four major titles at least once. He enters Melbourne Park with three major titles already and aims to add the only one missing from his résumé. A successful run here would set him on course to join an elite group of champions.
Walton’s tournament result
Adam Walton, playing in his home Grand Slam, competed well but ultimately was outmatched in key moments. The Australian, who has earned wins on the ATP Challenger tour and climbed into the top ranks, faces an early exit. His career continues to be marked by steady progress through rankings and experience at major events.
Next round and outlook
Alcaraz will face a next-round opponent following his win, with tournament organisers confirming matchups as the draw progresses. With his eye on deeper stages of the Australian Open, Alcaraz remains focused on advancing through successive rounds.
Alcaraz swats aside Walton as his 2026 Australian Open journey begins with a straight-sets win, starting his bid to complete a career Grand Slam at the season’s first major.
