(Video) Carlos Alcaraz Swaps Racket for Top Hat to Be Bellboy at Luxurious Hotel in Melbourne

Carlos Alcaraz will be hoping to have a better campaign at the Australian Open compared to his previous appearances. He has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals, losing twice in the stage, in 2024 and 2025.

He will be starting his campaign on Sunday (January 18) against local boy Adam Walton. The main draw is scheduled to be held on the same day.

The tennis fans can’t get enough of Alcaraz content since his exhibition event in South Korea. On Thursday, he met Alex de Minaur in an exhibition event, prior to which he went undercover to surprise and greet the fans. The six-time Grand Slam champion swapped his racket for a hat and became a bellboy at the luxurious Crown Towers hotel.

Sometimes, you know, with the tennis it’s not enough. So I had to find another job. But it’s fun starting the year here. I love Melbourne, I love the people here, I love the tournament. So I’m just really, really excited, happy to be here.

Carlos Alcaraz told 7NEWS

In his previous two Australian Open campaigns, Alcaraz lost to Alexander Zverev in 2024 and Novak Djokovic last year. It’s the only Slam where the six-time Grand Slam champion (the winner of two Wimbledon, two French Open, and two US Open titles) has yet to reach the semifinals.

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If he wins, he will script history by becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam, surpassing his idol, Rafael Nadal (who achieved this at the age of 24). Many think Alcaraz could find it difficult to play after his recent split with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Samuel Lopez will coach him during his campaign in Melbourne.

Joao Fonseca on the Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner French Open final

Joao Fonseca has yet to lock horns with Carlos Alcaraz in official events. Tipped to be the ‘third guy’ to challenge the dominance of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Fonseca is seeded for the first time in a Grand Slam tournament.

The Brazilian teenager watched the last three Grand Slam finals between the World No. 1 and World No. 2 and picked Roland Garros as the best match. Alcaraz made a miraculous comeback to defend his crown after overcoming a two-set deficit and saving three championship points.

It was brilliant tennis, and I watched the full match at home. The level was unbelievable. It’s difficult to say I can play that level. But I’m practising hard and working 100% every day, so at least one day I can play at this level, against these guys in the finals.

Joao Fonseca said (via The Guardian)

It was the first time Sincaraz met in a Grand Slam final. At Wimbledon next, the 24-year-old took his revenge, denying Alcaraz the three-peat. The 22-year-old then stopped Sinner from defending his US Open title. Sinner will complete the Career Grand Slam if he wins in Paris.

I’ve already trained with him two or three times. But it was great to see how he handles the important points. I played a good match and nearly beat him in the tie-break. We talked a bit about his life and career before the game. He’s an incredible guy, very humble, and an inspiration for the next generation.

Joao Fonseca added

The 28th seed will lock horns with Eliot Spizzirri to start his campaign in the event. It was at the Australian Open last year that he made his Grand Slam main draw debut and reached the second round. Fonseca later made the third rounds of the French Open and Wimbledon, while at the US Open, he lost in the second round.

Also read: Kim Clijsters Explains How Coco Gauff is Putting Iga Swiatek ‘Out of Balance’ After Latest Defeat