Carlos Alcaraz revelled in putting in the hard yards during a much-needed battle with Alex de Minaur in preparation for the Australian Open on Wednesday.

The four-time major winner fell to a 7-5 4-6 10-5 defeat against De Minaur, just four days before the first major of the year starts in Melbourne.

Alcaraz was delighted to face a tough test in his warm-up exhibition, however, admitting De Minaur pushed him all the way.

"I love the competition, I love playing these kinds of matches against these kinds of players," said Alcaraz.

"It is always a battle, every point. It was really good, I have been at home just sitting for a month, so coming back here and suffering on the court while playing against Alex is great.

"At the same time, I really wanted to take more days before facing him! It was a great warm-up."

Alcaraz raced into a 4-1 lead in the opening set but soon saw the world number eight battle back to claim the first set.

The 21-year-old eventually broke De Minaur to send the exhibition match to a tie-break decider, in which Alcaraz was unable to stop the home favourite.

"I think it is getting excited to play Carlos [that made me play so well]," said De Minaur.

"It is exciting to be back here in Melbourne playing in front of you guys, so I try to do my best.

"You know I am very excited for what is going to be coming over the next couple of weeks, and I am sure we are both going to play some great tennis.

"He has been playing amazing and has done some amazing things in this sport.

"It is always a pleasure to share the court with him, I always enjoy it and I always try to bring my best level for it."