Walton surrenders to Alcaraz: “He is a different tennis player from the rest, it has been very fun to play with him”

Adam Walton has been the first victim of Carlos Alcaraz in 2026. The Australian showed composure and courage in the first round of the Australian Open, but the Spanish player does not want anyone to stand in his way of completing the Grand Slam and secured his first victory of the year after a hard-fought match.

Alcaraz clinched the victory in three sets (6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2). However, there were moments during the match, especially in the second set, where the Australian displayed his best level and pushed the Spanish player to his limits. Yet, Alcaraz managed to regain control during the tie break, and by the third set, Walton was running out of steam.

At the end of the match, Alcaraz did not hesitate to praise the Australian’s tennis and appreciated the pace that Walton set, as it helps him gain more experience. A compliment that pleased Walton, who did not hesitate to reciprocate during the post-match press conference, expressing what it feels like to play against the best tennis player in the world and also about the dream of playing in the Rod Laver Arena in front of his home crowd.

Adam Walton reflects on his defeat in the first round of the Australian Open against Carlos Alcaraz

“It was a tough match. I think there were many positives. He is clearly one of the best in our sport, and I tried to match his level. At some points, I succeeded, especially in the closely contested second set. If I had won that tie break and taken the match to a third set, it would have been a different story. These players, when they take the lead, play much more freely. Credit to him. Overall, I think it was a good match. He is a player unlike the rest on the circuit; it’s very fun to play against him.”

I had never played against an opponent with that ball speed

“I can take many positives from this. When I saw the draw, I knew it would be a great moment. I played well, served well; he was better than me at times and is a very difficult opponent to beat from the baseline. He has an incredible ball pace. He plays at a speed I’m not used to facing.”

About a possible quarterfinal match between Alcaraz and De Miñaur

“I would love to see it happen. Hopefully, both will reach that match because it would be a great spectacle. Alex has different strengths than mine and would approach the match differently. I think it would be very even, and the one playing better at that moment would win.”

Grateful for Alcaraz’s kind words towards him

“It’s very nice to hear that from him. Since we played at Queen’s, he has always been very cordial with me at tournaments. To be valued in such a way by someone like him is something special, without a doubt.”

Regarding his goals for 2026 and a moment he will never forget

“I hope to continue progressing with my tennis; I am training very hard each week. I had a great 2025, and I hope 2026 will be the same. It will be a long season, but I hope to climb in the rankings, although improving my tennis is what truly matters.”

“It was a special moment to walk out to play in front of my people at Rod Laver Arena. It’s a dream when you start playing as a kid, to play on a big court, against a top player, and especially at home; it will be a moment I will never forget,” said Adam Walton, leaving the Australian Open with his head held high after competing against the formidable Carlos Alcaraz.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Walton se rinde a Alcaraz: “Es un tenista diferente al resto, ha sido muy divertido jugar con él”