Chasing history, Alcaraz eyes big push in Australia

Spaniard, who owns four Slams but is yet to win in Melbourne, will have to shake off his slow start trend

- Rutvick Mehta

MUMBAI: From the messy red Parisian dirt to the pristine London greens to the jazzy New York concrete, there's plenty of Carlos Alcaraz magic sprinkled over these three Major tennis hubs and distinct courts. That in-battle smile, that uplifting forehand, that shock and awe drop shot - the Spanish craftsman and champion has left his mark and picked up titles in his inimitable style.

In Melbourne, though, it's all been a bit pale. A lot unlike Alcaraz.

It's 2025 and the courts of Melbourne Park still await being lit up by the spark of this Spanish sensation. That stands at such an oddity with the giant deeds of the four-time Grand Slam champion at 21. More so after last year, where Alcaraz picked up a first French Open title, and a second Wimbledon crown as defending champion (beating Novak Djokovic no less again in the final). That, to go with his 2022 US Open trophy, made him the youngest player ever to capture Slams across all three surfaces.

Which only means he comes into this year's season-opening Slam hoping to break the duck with far greater stakes than before. Go all the way at the Australian Open and script more history as the youngest player ever to complete the career Grand Slam (winning all four majors), pipping his idol Rafael Nadal.