Grand Slam winner points out huge concern about Carlos Alcaraz’s preparation for the Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz recently played exhibition events in the United States against Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe respectively.
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Carlos Alcaraz (via X)
In a recent interview with Tennis365, tennis legend Mark Woodforde shared concerns about Carlos Alcaraz’s off-season. The young Spanish star played exhibition matches in the United States before returning to Spain to train. This decision sparked debate among fans and experts, with some suggesting he should have focused on preparing for the new season instead of exhibitions.
Alcaraz has been training intensely in recent weeks at his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s academy. As in previous years, the former world No. 1 has chosen not to compete in official tournaments before the Australian Open. This Grand Slam, often called the “Happy Slam,” is the only Grand Slam Alcaraz has yet to win, and the chance to succeed in Melbourne motivates him greatly.
My only concern during the off-season was Alcaraz’s decision to fly to America to play some exhibition matches. That was a bit of a red flag for me,” began Woodforde, who is an ambassador for the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025. After playing in those matches, it will be interesting to see how he kicks off the season after that decision.
Mark Woodforde said in an interview with Tennis365
At the 2024 Australian Open, Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals but lost to Alexander Zverev in a match marked by inconsistency. Zverev’s strong finish to the season also pushed him past Alcaraz into the second spot in the ATP rankings. This shift raises the possibility of Alcaraz facing Jannik Sinner in the semifinals in Melbourne.
To travel to the US and play some matches when he could have been resting and preparing, I was not a big fan of the exhibitions he played.
Mark Woodforde added
In 2024, Alcaraz and Sinner each won two Grand Slam titles, proving themselves to be the brightest stars of the sport. Heading into 2025, they are expected to lead the way in men’s tennis, showing potential far above their competitors.
Carlos Alcaraz to bid for history at the Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz has made history in recent years with his remarkable achievements. He became the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces: hard, grass, and clay. Alcaraz won the US Open in 2022, Wimbledon in 2023, and Roland Garros in 2024.
Alcaraz has made history in recent years with his remarkable achievements. He became the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces: hard, grass, and clay. Alcaraz won the US Open in 2022, Wimbledon in 2023, and Roland Garros in 2024.
In a few weeks, Alcaraz will aim for another historic milestone. If he wins the Australian Open in 2025, he will become the youngest man to complete a Career Slam. The current record is held by Don Budge, who was 22 when he completed the feat at Roland Garros in 1938.
Interestingly, Alcaraz has two chances to break the record. Budge was 22 years and 11 months old when he achieved the Career Slam, so Alcaraz would surpass him by winning in 2025 or even in 2026. He will be 21 years and eight months at the Australian Open this year and 22 years and eight months next year.
If he achieves this milestone, Alcaraz will also make unique history as the first man to complete a Career Slam at the Australian Open. The other eight men who have achieved this feat completed it elsewhere—five at Roland Garros, two at the US Open, and one at Wimbledon. On the women’s side, three players completed their Career Slam at the Australian Open: Shirley Fry in 1957, Chris Evert in 1982, and Serena Williams in 2003.
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