Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to claim his first Australian Open title and complete a career Grand Slam at age 22. Elena Rybakina rallied past Aryna Sabalenka for her second major, becoming the first Kazakh champion in Melbourne. Both celebrated their victories with trophy photo shoots amid historic achievements.
The 2026 Australian Open concluded with triumphs for Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina, marking pivotal moments in their careers. In the men's final on Sunday, Alcaraz overcame a first-set deficit to beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena. At 22 years and 272 days, the Spaniard became the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam, joining legends like Rod Laver, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Djokovic. "I think nobody knows how hard I have been working to get this trophy. I chased this moment so much," Alcaraz said post-match. Djokovic, seeking a record 25th major, praised his opponent: "Congratulations, Carlos. An amazing tournament... historic, legendary."
The women's final on Saturday saw Rybakina edge Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a 2-hour, 18-minute battle. Trailing 3-0 in the third set, Rybakina won five straight games to secure her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam overall, since Wimbledon 2022. Presented the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup by Jennifer Capriati, she became the first Kazakh winner Down Under and returned to world No. 3. "I always believed that I can come back to the level I was... it's all about the work," Rybakina reflected.
Post-victory, Alcaraz posed with the trophy at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, dressed stylishly in black, after a low-key celebration with pizza and games. He shared on social media: "A dream come true for me, a career Grand Slam." Rybakina, in a red maxi dress, photographed by the Yarra River and with ballkid Gladys Jarry. Nadal congratulated Alcaraz on X: "Congratulations on winning the Australian Open and achieving a Career Grand Slam!"
Alcaraz, now eyeing all Masters 1000 titles and the Davis Cup, has won seven of eight Grand Slam finals. Rybakina's win avenged her 2023 final loss to Sabalenka, who retained No. 1 despite a 4-4 major final record. The tournament highlighted intense competition, with Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominating recent majors.
