Carlos Alcaraz Makes History as Youngest Career Grand Slam Champion with Australian Open Victory Over Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz Makes History as Youngest Career Grand Slam Champion with Australian Open Victory Over Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain etched his name in tennis history on Sunday (Feb 1) after defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final. The triumph saw Alcaraz become the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam, achieving the milestone at just 22 years of age. For Djokovic, the loss meant he stayed tied with Margaret Court on 24 major titles, failing to secure a record-breaking 25th.

HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALCARAZ

The final, which stretched beyond two hours, saw Djokovic claim the first set convincingly, but Alcaraz mounted a remarkable comeback to take the following three sets, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The victory marked Alcaraz’s first Australian Open title and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. He now holds seven major championships and currently defends titles at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open.

His seventh Slam title places him level with John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, just one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, and Ivan Lendl. The result marked Djokovic’s first final defeat in Melbourne after winning all 10 previous finals, leaving him still chasing a historic 25th major to surpass Australia’s Margaret Court, who watched from centre court.

Djokovic, attempting to become the oldest man to claim a Grand Slam singles title, last captured a major at the 2023 US Open. Since that victory, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have divided the major titles between them. Both players endured grueling five-set semi-final matches—Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic against Sinner—making recovery crucial following their demanding physical battles.

Despite their recent exertions, both Djokovic and Alcaraz displayed minimal signs of fatigue in another epic encounter. They each held serve comfortably early before a double fault and netted forehand gave Djokovic his first break point opportunity at 2-1. Alcaraz saved it initially, but the aggressive fourth seed maintained pressure and converted his third chance, then consolidated for a 4-1 advantage.

Djokovic read Alcaraz’s serve effectively and dominated rallies with authority, securing two set points with a spectacular forehand winner. He claimed the set in a commanding 33 minutes after Alcaraz’s ninth unforced error, controlling the crucial moments. It was classic Djokovic, but Alcaraz responded forcefully, raising his intensity to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist after saving a break point and holding in the following game.

Also Read: Australian Open Final: Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka To Capture Maiden Title

Djokovic applied drops to his eyes and rubbed them, unable to contain a surging Alcaraz who broke again for 5-2. The third set featured spectacular rallies that brought the crowd to their feet, staying on serve until Djokovic hit a forehand wide under pressure to fall behind 2-3.

Djokovic valiantly saved four set points at 3-5, but with declining energy levels couldn’t save a fifth as the Spaniard seized control. Under pressure, Djokovic then rescued six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in the fourth set to remain competitive and continued battling determinedly. However, Alcaraz wore him down and capitalized when Djokovic served to stay in the match, sealing his first Australian championship. The victory ensured he retained the world number one ranking, with Sinner at two and Djokovic climbing one spot to three ahead of Zverev.

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