Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open men's final to claim his first title there and complete the career grand slam at age 22. The Spaniard came back from a set down to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, becoming the youngest man to achieve the feat. Rafael Nadal watched from the stands as Spain made history with two career grand slam winners in the Open Era.
Carlos Alcaraz added the Australian Open to his resume on Sunday in Melbourne, overcoming a strong start from Novak Djokovic to secure a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory in the final. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who had previously won two titles each at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open, became the ninth man overall and sixth in the Open Era to complete the career grand slam. At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz broke Don Budge's 88-year-old record as the youngest to achieve it, surpassing Rafael Nadal's mark of 24 years and 88 days from the 2010 US Open.
The match lasted just over three hours, with Djokovic, 38, taking the first set in 33 minutes en route to pursuing his 25th major. Alcaraz, the world No. 1, improved to 7-1 in grand slam finals and leveled his head-to-head with Djokovic at 5-5. He is now the youngest man in the Open Era to win seven majors, eclipsing Bjorn Borg's 47-year-old record set at age 23.
Nadal, a 22-time major champion, attended his first Australian Open since 2023 and watched from the stands at Melbourne Park. "For me it’s a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. I think it’s the first time [he has watched me play] professionally," Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. "It’s such an honour playing in front of you."
Both players had endured grueling semifinals: Alcaraz outlasted Alexander Zverev in a five-set, 5-hour-27-minute epic, while Djokovic beat Jannik Sinner in another five-setter that ended after 1:30 a.m. Djokovic praised Alcaraz post-match: "What you’ve been doing... historic, legendary. Congratulations."
Alcaraz's win marks Spain as the only nation with two men's career grand slam winners in the Open Era, joining Nadal in an exclusive club alongside Roger Federer, Djokovic, Andre Agassi, and Rod Laver.
