No one expected such an announcement at this point, as the current world number 1 has just experienced the best season of his young career. The 22-year-old from Murcia has won eight titles in 2025 and has been exceptionally consistent since the spring, finally overcoming what was described as his biggest weakness.
The six-time Grand Slam champion improved his level even in indoor conditions and reached the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin thanks to a very convincing run from all points of view. That result allowed Carlitos to finish the year at the top of the ATP rankings, ahead of his main rival Jannik Sinner.
Carlos surprised everyone
Alcaraz won’t have much time to process this huge change as the new season is just around the corner and there is exactly one month left before the start of the 2026 Australian Open (which kicks off on January 18 at Melbourne Park).
The Spanish star will be followed by Samuel Lopez in the Happy Slam, which is one of his main targets next year. The world number 1 – who has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne – wants to add the only major title he is missing and will need his best tennis in tough conditions.
It will be interesting to see how Carlos performs without his mentor, highlighting how he has once again decided not to play official tournaments before the AO. The Murcia-born talent will star in an exhibition match against Sinner in Seoul on January 10, before moving to Melbourne in the week before the start of the Grand Slam. This separation will continue to cause discussions until at least early 2026.
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