Carlos Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest player ever to achieve the Career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz is entering this year’s Australian Open with history on the line. The Spaniard aims to win his first Australian Open title, which would make him the youngest player to achieve this milestone.

Alcaraz is also drawing attention for something unique—his new haircut. The Spaniard’s fresh hairstyle has become a highlight even before the first ball has been struck at Melbourne Park. He recently shared the inspiration behind this new look.

I was talking to my hairdresser about how when I get my hair cut, three days later it’s grown back. So I need to go more often. It’s a new year. I knew I was going to be here in Australia. It’s 40 degrees. It’s summer here. I thought I needed something new. I’ve had this haircut a few years ago and I like it. This year there will probably be a new Carlitos style.

Carlos Alcaraz said on Eurosport

Another thing Alcaraz hopes for is a change in fortune in Australia. Last year, he lost in the quarterfinals to Alexander Zverev in four sets.

Alcaraz has only won one Grand Slam on hard courts, the 2022 US Open. The 22-year-old defeated Casper Ruud in four sets to claim his first Grand Slam title and become World No. 1.

Carlos Alcaraz begins preparations for the Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Melbourne on Sunday night, ready to compete in the Australian Open. This is the first Grand Slam of the season and the only one he has yet to win. After an intense preseason in Murcia and Villena, he worked on his court skills and fitness. He also made changes to parts of his game, like his serve and forehand, before traveling to Australia to continue training.

Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

Just hours after landing, Alcaraz practiced at Rod Laver Arena with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The next day, he had a training match against Novak Djokovic. Djokovic, a 10-time champion at the Australian Open, won the practice set 7-5. Andy Murray, who is now Djokovic’s coach for this tournament, closely watched the session.

This was the fifth time Alcaraz and Djokovic practiced together. They have also trained in places like Madrid, Roland Garros, Paris-Bercy, and Turin. Djokovic leads their official matches 4-3, including a win at the Paris Olympics final last summer.

However, Alcaraz has the upper hand in Grand Slam finals between them. He defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon finals of both 2023 and 2024. Now, Alcaraz hopes to add the Australian Open to his list of achievements.