If any player would be hungrier than Novak Djokovic to win the 2026 Australian Open (the Serb has been looking for his 25th Major for two years), it’s Carlos Alcaraz. The Norman Brookes Challenge Cup is the only Grand Slam trophy missing from the Spaniard’s cabinet, and he seems to have incorporated new strategies into his game ahead of the megaevent.
With the first Major of the year beginning on Sunday, January 18, almost all the top-ranked players have arrived in Melbourne. Some even opted for open practice sessions at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, January 14.
It was there that fans and experts noticed a few tactical changes in Alcaraz’s game. The 22-year-old showed up with an improved serve, was more aggressive from the baseline, and was often seen coming to the net. He later attributed these changes to his losses in the 2025 season.
“I need to add new weapons to stay ahead,” he said (via the Australian Open’s official website).
Alcaraz has already won six Majors, two each at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Winning the 2026 Australian Open would make him the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Mats Wilander Endorses Roger Federer As Carlos Alcaraz’s New Coach
Last month, Carlos Alcaraz announced the end of his partnership with his long-term coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who had been with the World No. 1 since he was 15. All of Alcaraz’s achievements so far have come under Ferrero, which is why the tennis world was shocked by the news.
Although former player Mats Wilander was also taken aback, he believes playing under someone with a different style, like Roger Federer, would ultimately benefit the Spaniard.
“I think when you take Murray and you take Carlos Alcaraz, there is a similarity in the way they’re playing. But if you take a John McEnroe and a Carlos Alcaraz, suddenly you see a big change, ” Wilander said (via Yahoo Sports).
“Or if you take a Stefan Edberg and a Carlos Alcaraz, there’s a big difference. Or let’s put Roger Federer in there, for example. Now, you’re talking about someone that could really help Carlos Alcaraz with the game that he’s not that comfortable with,” he added.
Samuel Lopez, who was Carlos Alcaraz’s assistant coach till last month, will guide the 22-year-old at the Australian Open.
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