Carlos Alcaraz won his first Australian Open title by beating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the 2026 final, becoming the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam at age 22. The victory marked Djokovic's first loss in an Australian Open final, denying him a record 25th major. Alcaraz's triumph solidifies his position as world No. 1 with a commanding lead in the rankings.
The 2026 Australian Open men's final at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena pitted 22-year-old world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz against 38-year-old Novak Djokovic, the 10-time champion seeking his 25th Grand Slam. Djokovic started strongly, breaking Alcaraz twice to take the first set 6-2 in just 33 minutes, showcasing his experience and aggressive play. However, Alcaraz rallied in the second set, breaking Djokovic at 2-1 and again for a 5-2 lead to level the match at one set apiece.
The third set featured intense rallies, with Alcaraz breaking at 3-2 after Djokovic erred on a forehand. Despite saving four set points, Djokovic could not hold off a fifth, as Alcaraz captured the set 6-3. In the fourth, Djokovic saved six break points early but faltered while serving to stay in the match, allowing Alcaraz to break and win 7-5 after three hours and two minutes.
Alcaraz's path included a grueling five-set semifinal win over Alexander Zverev, the longest in tournament history at five hours and 27 minutes, where he rallied from 3-5 in the fifth. Djokovic advanced by defeating defending champion Jannik Sinner in another five-setter, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. "It is a dream come true," Alcaraz said post-match. Djokovic praised him: "An amazing tournament... historic, legendary."
This victory gives Alcaraz seven majors, tying him with legends like John McEnroe, and extends his head-to-head with Djokovic to 5-5, winning all three major finals between them. Alcaraz now leads the PIF ATP Rankings by 3,350 points over Sinner. Djokovic, back at No. 3, hinted at physical challenges but remains motivated for future Slams, including a potential 25th.
The win completes Alcaraz's career Grand Slam faster than predecessors: Rafael Nadal (24 years, 102 days), Roger Federer (27 years, 303 days), and Djokovic (29 years, 15 days). He joins an elite group including Rod Laver and Andre Agassi in the Open Era.
