Carlos Alcaraz achieved a massive honor at the Australian Open following his first Melbourne crown.
The 22-year-old bested Novak Djokovic in front of Rafael Nadal in the crowd en route to the Career Grand Slam!
Alcaraz winning his first #AusOpen title AND becoming the youngest to complete the Career Slam, in front of his idol, Nadal – this is why we pay our internet bills 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qsAVxy0Pbq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026
The youngest player with all four Major trophies on his tally had to dig deep to celebrate at Rod Laver Arena, having spent eight and a half hours on the court in the semi-final and the title clash against the top-4 rivals.
Alcaraz bested Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5 in five hours and 27 minutes, prevailing in the most extended Australian Open semi-final and the third most extended match in Melbourne ever!
The Spaniard struggled with physical issues since the third set. However, he remained competitive and overcame a 5-4 deficit in the decider to emerge at the top and reach his first final Down Under.
After the duel, Carlos thought about Rafael Nadal's brilliant victory over Fernando Verdasco in the 2009 semi-final. The two Spaniards pushed each other to the limits and embraced one of the finest encounters at Majors in this century.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Rafa claimed one point more and got broken only two times while providing four breaks from 20 opportunities. They fought for five hours and ten minutes, and Nadal had to find the remaining pieces of strength for the title clash.
As it turned out, the Mallorcan bested Roger Federer in four hours and 19 minutes following a strong performance in the decider en route to his first Australian Open title at 22.
It was na impressive run, and Alcaraz prepared for the same after his semi-final win, with Novak Djokovic awaiting in the final. The Serb chased his 11th Australian Open crown from as many finals.
The veteran made a brilliant start before the young gun responded and secured a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory that earned him tennis glory. Having Rafa in the stands gave him an extra boost and positive mindset.
Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
World no. 1 did not play well in the opener. However, he raised his level and provided five breaks in sets two and three. Djokovic stayed in touch in the fourth set and created a break chance at 4-4.
He missed a forehand and lost serve at 5-6 to hand the trophy to his rival. Carlos not only lifted the title in front of Rafa but went further, passing his famous compatriot and becoming the youngest owner of the Career Grand Slam.
"After the semi-final, I thought about that semi-final in 2009 when Rafa played against Fernando Verdasco. He survived a grueling battle, recovered physically, and won that great final against Roger.
I was thinking a little bit about it. It's just about pushing through, and having Rafa there, I was like watching him and he gave me some good spirit and mindset," Carlos Alcaraz said.
