{"id":19038,"date":"2025-01-14T03:25:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T03:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=19038"},"modified":"2025-01-14T03:25:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T03:25:20","slug":"first-win-of-2025-and-good-start-to-the-australianopen-cant-wait-for-more-vamosss-carlos-%f0%9f%98%8b%f0%9f%94%a5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=19038","title":{"rendered":"First win of 2025 and good start to the AustralianOpen, can’t wait for more! Vamosss Carlos \ud83d\ude0b\ud83d\udd25"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Nobody has made an impact like the young Spaniard\u00a0Carlos Alcaraz\u00a0among players emerging over the past decade. The 21-year-old has quickly risen to the top of the tennis world. He consistently puts on fantastic displays when competing. Alcaraz already has four Grand Slam titles to his name. He will look to add more throughout the 2025 season.<\/p>\n

Earlier today, he kicked off his\u00a0Australian Open\u00a0campaign with a dominant 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 victory over\u00a0Alexander Shevchenko. Shevchenko is a formidable opponent, known for his powerful serves and aggressive play. This is Alcaraz’s first tournament of 2025. Judging by the result of his first match, it appears to have been a wise decision.<\/p>\n

Carlos Alcaraz Set for Greatness<\/h3>\n

Many would argue that Alcaraz is already destined to be recognised as one of the best players in the game. His all-round game is incredible. He has a sensational forehand, fantastic speed, and a grit and desire to win that are hard to match. It is awe-inspiring to think that the Spanish player may not even be in his prime yet. After all, he has only just turned 21. He has already captured four Grand Slam titles, which is more than the likes of\u00a0Andy Murray\u00a0and Andy Roddick.<\/p>\n

He doesn\u2019t look like stopping any time soon. Alcaraz has already secured the French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon titles. The final Slam to check off his list is the Australian Open. After a dominant opening round, he must be considered one of the favourites. Alcaraz was clearly pleased with his performance as he looks ahead to the second round.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“I think I played at a great level. You never know what the first match of the season will be like. I was confident that I would be good, but you never know. I’m just pleased with the level I played at and everything I’ve done today. But I want to improve in the next round,” Alcaraz stated in his press conference. His words displayed a humble and focused mindset.<\/p>\n

“Well, it is something that I’m working on. For example, when everything is going well, you’re happy. Everything is going the right way, so you don\u2019t lose focus. It feels like I\u2019m just thinking about staying in a good rhythm. I knew that I had to stay focused.<\/p>\n

“I knew that I had to maintain a good rhythm. The performance level is going to be consistent again. That is on my mind\u2014not losing focus, but recovering my rhythm. That\u2019s what I tried to do in the second set. As I said, it\u2019s the first match of the season.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“What happened was normal\u2014losing focus slightly. I want to try to prevent that from happening again in the next round. Yeah, I\u2019m just trying to focus on my game again.”<\/p>\n

Taking Longer to Prepare<\/h3>\n

The Australian Open is the first major tournament of the year. It is always interesting to see how athletes prepare for such a big stage. Some players prioritise a tournament beforehand to sharpen their skills and gain match fitness. Others opt for a longer pre-season. It all depends on what the athlete feels is best for them. Many of his competitors played in tournaments. Meanwhile, Alcaraz was preparing for the tennis calendar. The two-time Wimbledon champion opted out of earlier fixtures to extend his training camp. Alcaraz defended his decision after his opening-round victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/center><\/p>\n
IMAGO<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n

“Well, I don\u2019t know why it was for them. But I prefer to do a good pre-season, which is a little bit longer. That\u2019s it. I prefer to have two weeks of pre-season instead of four. We don\u2019t have too much time in December to have a long pre-season,” the Spaniard explained.<\/p>\n

“Start at a 250 tournament, like the United Cup. You have to think about what\u2019s better for you: stay at home and do the pre-season instead of playing any tournament, or skip the pre-season and play some matches before the Grand Slam. I decided not to come. I think I\u2019m in an age that I need weeks of practice. I need long preseasons just to be ready. Then the season is going to be long, so you have to be in a good shape. That\u2019s why I decide not to play any tournament before the Grand Slam, coming straight to here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n

Next up for the world number three seed is Japan’s\u00a0Yoshihito Nishioka<\/a>. He is coming off a victory against Aziz Dougaz. The Japanese player is currently ranked 65th in the world. He will aim to cause a major upset against a player ranked 62 places above him. The two have met before, with Alcaraz winning in straight sets. This match against Nishioka is crucial for Alcaraz. A win will bring him one step closer to his fifth Grand Slam title. The Spaniard will hope for a similar result this time around.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n