In his first match since parting ways with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz displayed inconsistent play, committing 36 unforced errors while also hitting 38 winners. Facing world number 79 Walton, Alcaraz was at times trailing in the second set before showcasing his class in the tie-break and ultimately securing the win.

Alcaraz saves a ball during his victory over Walton in the Australian Open first round at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on 18/1. Photo: Reuters.

Alcaraz saves a ball during his victory over Walton in the Australian Open first round at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on 18/1. Photo: Reuters.

"I am truly happy to be back on court again, for the first time this season," Alcaraz shared. "It was a high-quality match from both of us. Adam hit some amazing shots, so I had to maintain a high level of performance."

After converting a crucial break point to win the first set 6-3, Alcaraz demonstrated a strong fighting spirit in the second set. The Spanish player rallied from a 1-3 deficit to win 7-6 in the tie-break.

Walton, aiming for his first second-round appearance at his home Grand Slam, played with effort throughout the 2 hours 13 minutes match, troubling Alcaraz with strong serves and consistent baseline play. However, he could not match the world number one in decisive moments.

"It was genuinely difficult to find good hitting spots," Alcaraz added. "It felt like he was always in a favorable position. He played very solidly from the baseline, and his flat shots sometimes caused me significant trouble. I am still getting used to the playing conditions and the Rod Laver court."

Under the guidance of coach Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz is targeting his seventh Grand Slam title. The 22-year-old is a two-time champion at Roland Garros (2024, 2025), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and the US Open (2022, 2025). In the next round, Alcaraz will face Yannick Hanfmann, who defeated Zachary Svajda 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(3).

In other matches, world number 10 Alexander Bublik secured his first Australian Open victory since 2022, eliminating Jenson Brooksby in three sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the second round against Marton Fucsovics.

American qualifier Michael Zheng achieved a dream victory in his ATP debut, stunning compatriot Sebastian Korda with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(0), 6-3. Zheng, 21 years old, is currently a final-year student at Columbia University in New York.

The first day of play also saw victories for seeds Cameron Norrie, Francisco Cerundolo, and Frances Tiafoe. British left-hander Norrie defeated Benjamin Bonzi 6-0, 6-7(2), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. 18th seed Cerundolo overcame Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3, while Tiafoe beat local player Jason Kubler 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2.

In the women's singles, world number one Aryna Sabalenka had little difficulty defeating Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1. Meanwhile, 45-year-old legend Venus Williams suffered a tough loss to Olga Danilovic 7-6(5), 3-6, 4-6, despite leading 4-0 in the deciding set. Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, returned to tennis last season after a 16 months break, receiving a wildcard entry to become the oldest woman to compete in the main draw of women's singles.

Vy Anh