Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz practiced on Rod Laver Arena in a Los Angeles Lakers No. 23 jersey, with the Australian Open posting the photos and LeBron James resharing them with a “salute” on Instagram.
- At 22 with six majors, Alcaraz is pursuing his first Melbourne crown to complete a career Grand Slam, having never advanced beyond the quarterfinals at the event.
- Two‑time defending champion Jannik Sinner is viewed as the chief obstacle; the rivals’ only tune‑up was a light exhibition in South Korea that Alcaraz won.
- The build‑up includes debate over high‑fee exhibitions, with former pro Sam Querrey suggesting Alcaraz is embracing more such events and referencing rumored multi‑million‑dollar appearance fees.
- Novak Djokovic is being discussed by analysts as a potential dark horse for a record 25th major, with the draw due Thursday and questions lingering after his Adelaide withdrawal.