Sydney: The 22-year-old Spaniard produced a performance full of power and precision in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena, drawing repeated standing ovations from an enthusiastic crowd. Alcaraz, who is chasing history by attempting to become the youngest player to win all four Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing the long-standing record of Don Budge, looked every bit the champion-in-waiting.

Alcaraz set the tone early, breaking serve with a blistering forehand to move 5-3 ahead before closing out the opening set with authority. Although Walton pushed him into a tiebreak in the second set, the top seed remained composed, using his momentum to dominate the decider and seal the match comfortably.

A key talking point was Alcaraz’s refined serving technique, which has drawn comparisons to that of Novak Djokovic. The adjustment comes after his recent and unexpected split from long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, whose absence was briefly felt during a patchy spell in the second set.

With the opening hurdle cleared, Alcaraz now advances to the second round, where he will face Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, as his pursuit of another Grand Slam title gathers momentum in Melbourne.