Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz unveiled a more compact, smoother serving motion that many observers said resembles Novak Djokovic’s technique, with viral clips amplifying the comparison.
- The Spaniard said he did not intend to copy Djokovic’s delivery, though he acknowledged he can see the similarities after off-season adjustments.
- Novak Djokovic joked that he messaged Alcaraz about “copyrights” and quipped he expects a tribute from every ace the top seed hits in Melbourne.
- Both players opened with straight-sets wins, as Djokovic beat Pedro Martinez and Alcaraz defeated Adam Walton to progress to round two.
- The draw places them on opposite halves, leaving open a potential final as Alcaraz continues to tinker following his split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.