Alcaraz Australian Open: Corretja on Ending the Melbourne Curse

This year, however, Alcaraz could deny him victory, the former world number two continued: “Let’s see what happens, because for Carlos it’s the only Grand Slam he hasn’t won yet. Sometimes it comes a little too early in the season for him, but hopefully he’ll be in good shape this time.”

Alcaraz and Ferrero go their separate ways

“It’s a new time for both of us, with new adventures and new projects. But I’m sure we’ll approach it the right way, doing our best, like we always have,” Alcaraz wrote on Instagram.

According to Corretja, Alcaraz is “fresher” than previous years

But there are also positive signs, as Corretja emphasizes. In recent years, the 22-year-old has often started in Melbourne “exhausted from the previous season,” the former world number two continued. However, he “ended the year 2025 in a fresher state”.

Conversely, this means that Alcaraz can start the preparation with more energy and be at his best in Melbourne, predicts Corretja.

Another motivation driver is the fact that the Spaniard has never won in Melbourne, so winning the tournament seems like a “nice challenge” and an extra incentive.

In addition to the dominators Alcaraz and Sinner, there are a few other players who could make a big impact in 2026, says Corretja.

Draper a threat to Sinner and Alcaraz?

Above all, Jack Draper: “When he’s fit, he’s one of the hardest players to beat,” says Corretja about the young Brit, who missed the end of the season injured.

Jack Draper should stand up to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Fotocredit: Getty Images

There is also the American Ben Shelton, who, however, has to find his “tennis level and also his stability” again.

Corretja also has great expectations for the 19-year-old Brazilian João Fonseca: “I hope it will be a good year for the Brazilian because he has a lot of potential. He is someone who, if he is physically and mentally prepared, could shine at the big tournaments and perhaps be ready to compete with the best.”

Zverev and the mission of Grand Slam victory

Corretja remains very cautious about the other players in the extended world elite: “Maybe Lorenzo Musetti will have a great year – we’ll see whether Alexander Zverev stays at the top and whether Daniil Medvedev and a few others can recover and write positive headlines again.”

Finale: Zverev bites his teeth into Sinner – highlights

Which: Eurosport