Explore the latest developments concerning What it's like.
What it's like to play the world number one at the Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz proved too strong for Adam Walton in the first round of the Australian Open. (Getty Images: Fred Lee)
After reaching a career-high ranking of 74 three months ago, Adam Walton had reason to believe he could cause an upset or two at the Australian Open.
That was until the men's main draw was released last week and the 26-year-old Australian discovered the identity of his first-round opponent: world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
The Australian Open continues on day two, with Alex de Minaur among the local hopes taking to the court at Melbourne Park.
If Walton was to advance to the second round of the Australian Open for the first time, he was going to have play at a level well beyond his current ranking of 81.
High-octane Alcaraz starts AO 2026 on the right note
Thanks for visiting the Australian Open Website. We can see you’re using Internet Explorer, and wanted to let you know that we will no longer be supporting this browser in future. We’d recommend you download a new browser if you'd like to continue keeping up with all of the latest tennis news!
Carlos Alcaraz declared he is “hungry for the title” before his first outing at Australian Open 2026, and used that desire for a maiden trophy at Melbourne Park as fuel during a relatively stress-free passage into the second round on Day 1.
The world No.1 and six-time Grand Slam champion will become the youngest player in history to complete the career Grand Slam in men’s singles if he goes all the way over the next fortnight, and began his quest with a 6-3 7-6(2) 6-2 win against Aussie Adam Walton at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.
Shilajit Gummies – Stress Relief, Brain Health, Balanced Energy Levels and Anti-Aging
Australian Open LIVE 2026: Olga Danilovic denies Venus Williams in comeback win; Alcaraz, Sabalenka cruise into second round
We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
It’s people as far as the eye can see at the Olympic Boulevard gate, with thousands of fans waiting to enter Melbourne Park for the first day of matches.
Attendees seem slightly confused about which direction they should walk to join the back of the queue.
Tennis fans face a long wait to get in.Credit: Chris Hopkins
All ticketholders — regardless of whether they have a ground pass or a stadium pass — are in a single queue that’s ten people wide, and reaches well past John Cain Arena and towards AAMI Park.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning What it's like.
Leave a Reply