By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
A Historic Victory for Alcaraz
With a set down against Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, the atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena shifted towards a blend of authority and motivation. By modifying his shot technique to add more shape, the 22-year-old Alcaraz surged past Novak Djokovic with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, securing his first Australian Open title and making history as the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Reflecting on the Journey
In an interview with AS.com’s Nacho Albarrán, Alcaraz shared insights into his competitive mindset, discussing both his strengths and areas for improvement. He addressed the controversy surrounding his split from former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and his decision to hire Samuel Lopez as his head coach.
Strengths and Challenges
Alcaraz, known for his adaptability, acknowledges his versatility as both a major asset and a potential drawback. In tense match situations, the myriad of tactical options and shot selections can overwhelm him, sometimes leading to suboptimal choices. “Having a wide range of skills is beneficial; it allows me to adapt when my initial plan falters,” he explained. “However, it can also lead to indecision when I’m overloaded with choices.”
A Unique Champion
Alcaraz’s calm demeanor in challenging moments sets him apart as a champion, reminiscent of his reflections prior to winning his first major title at the 2022 US Open. At that time, he identified “unpredictability” as his greatest asset, which keeps opponents on their toes.
Coaching Changes and Support
The announcement of Alcaraz’s split with his long-time coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, reverberated through the tennis community. Their collaboration yielded 24 titles, including 6 Grand Slams, and saw Alcaraz rise to the world No. 1 rank. Nevertheless, Samuel Lopez‘s impact became evident during Alcaraz’s run at the Australian Open, particularly during a challenging semifinal match against Alexander Zverev, showcasing the importance of steady guidance in high-pressure situations.
Criticism and Recognition
Despite receiving criticism regarding his failure to acknowledge Ferrero in his victory speech, Alcaraz praised Lopez as “one of the best—if not the best” coaches in tennis. He expressed gratitude for Lopez’s dedication, emphasizing that the Australian Open triumph validates his coaching choice amidst skepticism.
Aiming for More
Now, with his sights set on the calendar Grand Slam, Alcaraz reflected on his upcoming objectives for the season: “The Grand Slams are always present. The ATP Finals and Davis Cup are my primary goals.”
