Alcaraz overcomes gutsy Djokovic to win first Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz has become the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles title at Rod Laver Arena.
The world No.1 overturned a slow start to beat the 10-time Australian Open champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and two minutes, sealing his maiden Melbourne crown and writing his name onto the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for the first time.
At 22, Alcaraz eclipsed a record held by Don Budge since 1938 and became the youngest man in the Open Era to claim seven Grand Slam singles titles.
“Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy,” Alcaraz said.
“A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam.”
By beating Djokovic — the last player to complete a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2016 — the Spaniard became just the ninth man to achieve the feat and the first to do so at the Australian Open.
International betting sites had installed Alcaraz as a narrow favourite, priced around 1.55 to Djokovic’s 2.45, reflecting expectations of a close contest despite the Serb’s perfect 10-0 record in Australian Open finals.
Djokovic, 38, was chasing his first major title since the 2023 US Open but was unable to halt Alcaraz’s surge as the top seed closed out the match late in the fourth set to confirm his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Djokovic seized early control of the final, breaking serve to race to a 4-1 lead in the opening set as Alcaraz struggled to find rhythm under pressure.
The Serb capitalised on his returning strength and didn’t seem to be showing signs of his body letting him down, converting a third break point, dictating play from the baseline and keeping the top seed on the defensive. Alcaraz saved break points late in the set but could not prevent Djokovic from closing it out 6-2.
But it was from here Alcaraz took control, elevating his game, and barely making an error in the next three high-class sets, which were punctuated by flashes of brilliance from Djokovic.
Djokovic refused to blame his ageing body for the loss, instead heaping praise on his younger opponent.
“I do not like to talk about things that I go through physically or health-wise. It’s going to come across as if I’m looking for excuses and taking credit away from the winner.” he said.
“It’s not going to change this time.
“I congratulate Carlos, and he deserves the win. I’m not going to share the details.”
