Carlos Alcaraz declared on Friday that he is “hungry” to end his Australian Open title drought and complete a career Grand Slam, identifying the Melbourne crown as his main objective for 2026.

The Spanish world number one heads into the tournament as a leading contender alongside two-time defending champion and chief rival Jannik Sinner. Of the four Grand Slam events, the Australian Open remains the only major Alcaraz has yet to conquer, with quarter-final appearances in 2024 and 2025 representing his best results to date.

Victory in Melbourne would see the 22-year-old surpass compatriot Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. Nadal achieved the milestone at the age of 24.

Alcaraz opens his campaign against Australia’s Adam Walton, currently ranked 79th in the world, and admitted he is eager for the tournament to begin.

“This is my main goal this year,” Alcaraz said, having played just one warm-up match — a light-hearted exhibition victory over Sinner in South Korea. “I think I’ve had a really good pre-season and I feel in great shape.

“I’m really hungry for the title and for a strong result here. I’m preparing as well as I can and I’m very excited for the tournament to start.”

Asked whether he would trade titles at the other three majors this year for an Australian Open triumph, Alcaraz struggled to choose, underlining how significant the achievement would be.

“I don’t know which one I would choose,” he said with a smile. “Completing the career Grand Slam would be something incredible, and doing it as the youngest ever would make it even more special.”

Attention has also been drawn to changes within Alcaraz’s coaching setup ahead of the tournament. In December, the six-time Grand Slam champion announced a surprise split from long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, ending a highly successful seven-year partnership. Assistant coach Samuel López has since stepped into the lead role.

Alcaraz began working with former world number one Ferrero as a teenager and said the decision to part ways was mutual.

“With Juan Carlos, we decided together that it was the right moment,” Alcaraz explained. “I have a lot of confidence in the team I have now. Practice has been really good and I’m feeling strong.

“I’m just excited to start the tournament with this team and see how it goes.”