In a defining moment at Rod Laver Arena, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to win the men’s singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, securing his first crown in Melbourne and completing a historic career Grand Slam. Alcaraz overcame Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in a four-set final that swung dramatically after the opening set, showcasing the Spaniard’s resilience, tactical maturity and all-court excellence. This victory also marked Alcaraz’s seventh major title at just 22 years old.
How the final unfolded
Djokovic began the final with authority, dominating the early exchanges and breaking serve twice to take the first set 6-2. His precision from the baseline and exceptional service games unsettled Alcaraz, who struggled to find his usual rhythm in the opening set. However, the world No.1 Spaniard quickly regrouped in the second set, elevating his intensity and breaking Djokovic’s serve twice to mirror the Serb’s opening-set performance with a 6-2 response. From the third set onwards, Alcaraz dictated the tempo with aggressive groundstrokes and improved serve placement.
He capitalised on his speed and court coverage to take the third 6-3, before eking out a tense fourth set 7-5 to seal the title. Djokovic, bidding to become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles, fought valiantly but could not withstand Alcaraz’s wave of winners in decisive moments.
Career grand slam at 22
With this victory, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam, joining an elite group of champions who have won all four majors: the Australian Open (2026), French Open (2024, 2025), Wimbledon (2023, 2024) and US Open (2022, 2025) by age 22. He surpassed the long-standing milestone previously held by the legendary Don Budge dating from 1938. This achievement cements his place among the sport’s modern greats and underscores his consistent excellence across different surfaces and conditions.
Breaking records and history
Alcaraz’s title in Melbourne adds a significant chapter to his already impressive résumé. His seven major titles now spread across the four Grand Slam tournaments: including multiple victories at Wimbledon and the US Open, highlight a rare combination of power, finesse, and mental fortitude. The win also snapped Djokovic’s perfect record in Australian Open finals, a streak that had reached an astonishing 10 appearances before this match. At the same time, Djokovic becomes one of the oldest players to contest a Grand Slam final in the Open Era at age 38.
A generational passing of the torch
The final was more than a title match; it was a symbolic clash between two tennis generations, the established legend and the rising champion. Alcaraz’s ability to absorb pressure, adjust tactics mid-match and execute with precision when it mattered most reflected a level of maturity that belies his age. For Djokovic, the match was another testament to his enduring excellence, but it also underscored a shifting landscape where the sport’s future increasingly revolves around the next wave of stars.
Significance for men’s tennis
Alcaraz’s triumph at the Australian Open does more than add hardware to his collection. It marks a pivotal moment in men’s tennis, as a new generation asserts itself on the biggest stages. His success across all four majors confirms his adaptability and makes him a formidable favourite in future Grand Slams. For fans and rivals alike, Alcaraz’s ascent adds fresh intrigue to the sport’s most prestigious events.
