Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head, preview: Australian Open 2026
Alcaraz is looking to register his maiden title triumph at the Melbourne Park.
The Australian Open 2026 kicks off with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz beginning his quest for a maiden title at Melbourne Park, the only Grand Slam missing from his collection. As the top seed and a six-time major champion at just 22 years old, Alcaraz aims to complete the career Grand Slam while adapting to life without longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
His first-round opponent is Australian Adam Walton, ranked No. 79, who enters as a home favourite seeking his first main-draw win at his home Slam after limited success in prior appearances.
Match details
- Tournament: Australian Open 2026
- Round: First round
- Date: January 18
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia
- Surface: Hard Court
Preview
In this first-round clash on Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz’s explosive forehand, athleticism, and ability to dictate points make him a massive favourite against the lower-ranked Walton, who relies on solid serving but has struggled to break through at the elite level.
The Spaniard skipped all pre-AO events and instead opted for an exhibition contest with Jannik Sinner in South Korea, winning in straight sets. Alcaraz aims to script history Down Under, hoping to advance beyond the quarters.
Adam Walton doesn’t boast an inspiring form leading to this battle. He failed to qualify for the main draw in Adelaide and suffered an opening round defeat in Brisbane.
This matchup marks their second career encounter, following Alcaraz’s straight-sets victory (6-4, 7-6) at Queen’s Club in 2025 on grass.
Form
- Carlos Alcaraz: L-W-W-W-W
- Adam Walton: L-W-L-L-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 1
- Carlos Alcaraz: 1
- Adam Walton: 0
Stats
Carlos Alcaraz
- Alcaraz has a 11-4 win-loss record in Melbourne
- Alcaraz was a quarter-finalist at the 2025 Australian Open
- Alcaraz has a 80.13 % winning record on hardcourt
Adam Walton
- Walton has a 1-3 win-loss record in Melbourne.
- Walton did not play the 2025 Australian Open singles event.
- Walton has a 65.52 % winning record on hardcourt.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Carlos Alcaraz -5700, Adam Walton +3500
- Spread: Carlos Alcaraz -12.5 (-2080), Adam Walton +12.5 (-1008)
- Total games: Over 27.5 (+255), Under 27.5 (-107)
- 1st set winner: Carlos Alcaraz -1607, Adam Walton +874
Also Read: Top five title favourites in men’s singles at Australian Open 2026
Match Prediction
In this first-round clash at the Australian Open 2026, Alcaraz enters as an overwhelming favourite against Adam Walton, with dominant form and elite firepower that far outclass his opponent. Alcaraz’s destructive baseline game, improved serve, and recent hard-court success make him highly likely to control proceedings from the outset.
Walton, though spirited in representing the home contingent, lacks any weapons or form to trouble the World No. 1 over extended rallies on Melbourne’s fast courts. Expect a straight-sets victory for the Spanish star, with minimal resistance once the match’s rhythm swings in his favor.
Result: Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton, first-round match at Australian Open 2026?
The much-anticipated men’s singles opening round of the Australian Open 2026 between Alcaraz and Walton will be available for the Indian viewers on the Sony Sports Network on TV and its streaming service Sony Liv.
In the USA, the first Major of the year is being telecasted on the ESPN sports network and is being streamed on Fubo. In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Eurosport. It will also be available for users on the Discovery+ app.
Full worldwide broadcast details here
Where and when will Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton first-round match take place?
The match will be played at the Rod Laver Arena on January 18 (Sunday) and is scheduled to start at 9:10 am local time and 2:40 pm IST.
What is the head-to-head between Carlos Alcaraz and Adam Walton?
The pair have clashed once previously and Alcaraz won that meeting in straight sets. Their only previous clash was at the Queen Club Championships last year, where the Spaniard won 6-4, 7-6(4).
Who is the favourite to win this Round of 128 match at Australian Open 2025?
As a six-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz will be the overwhelming favourite to win this opening round meeting.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.