There’s been plenty of talk about the nightmare Australian Open draw of Alex de Minaur, including a first-round match up with 2022 semi finalist Matteo Berrettini.
But spare a thought for another Aussie in the men’s draw, Adam Walton.
Yesterday the 26-year-old from North Queensland discovered he had been drawn to face world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round—arguably the toughest assignment in world tennis.
Currently no. 79 in the ATP rankings and Australia’s third highest ranked male player, Walton has never made it past the first round at Melbourne Park in three previous attempts.
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It seems unlikely he’ll be doing it this year either as he tackles the imposing Spaniard on Rod Laver Arena, but at least he’s guaranteed a tidy $150,000 just for showing up.
Walton and Alcaraz have played once before, meeting on grass in the first round at the Queen’s Club in 2025.
Alcaraz won in straight sets 6-4 7-6, en route to finishing runner-up at Wimbledon.
Play in the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open begins at Melbourne Park on Sunday, 18 January and concludes with the Men’s Final on Sunday, 1 February.