Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first Australian Open crown over Novak Djokovic, besting the legend 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
The Spaniard sealed the deal in three hours and two minutes and wrote ultimate history books.
INSANITY 🤯
Just sit back and enjoy two masters of their craft defying logic.@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/FyGidFw7C5
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026
By lifting his first trophy in Melbourne, world no. 1 completed all four Major triumphs, becoming the youngest owner of the Career Grand Slam at 22 years and eight months.
Djokovic did a brilliant job en route to his 38th Major final at 38, especially against Jannik Sinner in the semi-final. The ten-time champion made a flying start against Alcaraz before losing ground and experiencing his first defeat in the finals Down Under.
The veteran made a relaxed start and clinched the opener 6-2 in 33 minutes. Novak lost two points in his games, finding sweet spots and earning free points while keeping the pressure on the other side.
The Serb landed a backhand down the line winner in the third game for a hold at love and 2-1. He stepped in on the return in the next one and converted the third break point after Carlos' mistake for a 3-1 advantage.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Djokovic grabbed the fifth game with a service winner and secured a hold at love two games later for a 5-2 lead. Feeling the ball, Novak made another push on the return in game eight.
He landed a forehand crosscourt winner for two set points and seized the first after Carlos' forehand error for 6-2. The Spaniard recovered his game in the second set and outplayed the ten-time champion.
Alcaraz defended his second serve superbly and denied the only break point to keep the pressure on the other side. Novak sprayed a volley error in the third game and experienced a break for the first time.
The Spaniard saved a break point in the next one and closed it to open a 3-1 gap. They served well in the next two games, and Carlos made another attack on the return at 4-2.
World no. 1 clinched a break at 30 after Djokovic's forehand mistake, extending the lead and serving for the set. Alcaraz fired a powerful serve at 5-2 to wrap up the set and level the overall score after an hour and nine minutes.
The organizers decided to close the roof ahead of a possible rain delay, and the young gun did not like that decision, arguing with the chair umpire and the supervisor.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
However, he maintained his composure and provided four comfortable holds in the third set. They served well in the opening four games. Carlos stepped in on the return in the fifth game and drew the rival's mistake for a break and a 3-2 advantage.
He provided two fine holds and led 5-3 before pressuring the legend again. The Spaniard seized the fifth set point after the Serb's loose backhand, taking the set 6-3 and moving two sets to one in front after two hours.
Novak faced the ultimate challenge in the second game of the fourth set. The 38-year-old gave everything and defended six break points for a massive hold and a boost of confidence.
They served well in the next six games before Carlos netted a forehand at 4-4 to face a break point. The legend squandered it with a loose forehand that landed beyond the baseline.
Djokovic missed another forehand, allowing his rival to bring the game home and move 5-4 in front. Novak left that chance behind and closed the tenth game with a forced error for 5-5 and more drama.
The Spaniard painted a forehand crosscourt winner in the 11th game for a fine hold and a 6-5 advantage. Alcaraz made a push on the return in the 12th game and grabbed a decisive break to seal the deal and write history books.
