Australian Open 2026 Final Highlights: Alcaraz beats Djokovic, becomes youngest man to achieve Career Grand Slam

It was a pleasure to bring all the updates on what was a historic day for the sport at the Australian Open. This is Nihit Sachdeva, signing off!

When is French Open 2026?

French Open 2025, the second Major of the year, will be held at Roland Garros, Paris, from May 24 to June 7. Here is everything you need to know about the defending champions.

Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)

Women’s Singles: Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)

Men’s Doubles: Christian Harrison (USA) and Neal Skupski (Great Britain)

Women’s Doubles: Elise Mertens (Belgium) and Zhang Shuai (China)

Mixed Doubles: Olivia Gadecki (Australia) and John Peers (Australia)

Junior Boys’ Singles: Ziga Sesko (Slovenia)

Junior Girls’ Singles: Ksenia Efremova (France)

Junior Boys’ Doubles: Connor Doig (South Africa) and Dimitar Kisimov (Bulgaria)

Junior Girls’ Doubles: Alena Kovačková (Czechia) and Jana Kovačková (Czechia)

Wheelchair Men’s Singles: Tokito Oda (Japan)

Wheelchair Women’s Singles: Li Xiaohui (China)

Wheelchair Quad Singles: Niels Vink (Netherlands)

Wheelchair Quad Doubles: Guy Sasson (Israel) and Niels Vink (Netherlands)

Wheelchair Men’s Doubles: Gustavo Fernández (Argentina) and Tokito Oda (Japan)

Wheelchair Women’s Doubles: Li Xiaohui (China) and Wang Ziying (China)

Wheelchair Boys’ Singles: Alexander Lantermann (Belgium)

Wheelchair Girls’ Singles: Luna Gryp (Belgium)

Wheelchair Boys’ Doubles: Lucas John De Gouveia (Great Britain) and Alexander Lantermann (Belgium)

Wheelchair Girls’ Doubles: Lucy Foyster (Great Britain) and Seira Matsuoka (Japan)

- He ends Novak Djokovic’s unbeaten streak in Australian Open.

- Alcaraz becomes the youngest man in history to achieve the Career Grand Slam, breaking the Open Era record held by his compatriot and mentor Rafael Nadal (24 years 102 days) and the overall record set by American Don Budge (22 years 363 days).

- He is the ninth man in history to achieve the Career Grand Slam.

- It is the 22nd time in the Open Era that the top seed has won the Australian Open men’s singles title.

- It is the 80th time in the Open Era that the top seed has won a men’s singles Grand Slam title.

- It is just the 3rd time in history that two players (Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner) have recorded a combined streak of 9 Grand Slam men’s singles titles.

- Alcaraz clinched his 25th Tour-level title, claiming sole ownership of 2nd place on the list for most Tour-level men’s singles titles among active players, ahead of Sinner and Alexander Zverev and only behind Djokovic (101).

- Alcaraz has a 3-0 win-loss record in Grand Slam finals against Djokovic.

- Alcaraz equalled Stan Wawrinka (4) in third place for most wins over Djokovic in Grand Slam encounters. Only Roger Federer (6) and Nadal (11) have beaten Djokovic more times at this level.

- Alcaraz is the 2nd Spanish player in history to win the men’s singles title at the Australian Open – after Nadal, who won the title in Melbourne in 2009 and 2022.

- Alcaraz is the youngest player in the Open Era to win 7 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, ahead of Bjorn Borg, who won his 7th Grand Slam title at 1979 Roland Garros aged 23 years 4 days.

- Alcaraz is the 7th man in the Open Era to win back-to-back titles at the US Open and the Australian Open.

List of Australian Open men’s singles champions in Open era: Alcaraz claims maiden title

Discover the complete list of Australian Open men's singles champions, featuring Carlos Alcaraz's first title victory.

Firstly, Alcaraz’s coach Samuel Lopez receives a trophy.

Now, it is time for champion Carlos Alcaraz to receive the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup!

Alcaraz’s Speech: First, I just want to talk about Novak. I think he deserves some ovation for sure. You are talking about how am doing things but what you’re doing Novak is really inspiring.

For me, it has been an honour sharing the locker room and the court with you.

To my team, nobody knows how hard I have been working to get this trophy. Emotionally, the end of last season was a bit of a roller-coaster. You were pushing me to work hard. This trophy is as much yours.

For me, it is a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. I think this is the first time you’re watching me play professionally since I was 13-14.

I think it is an honour to play here in Melbourne. Thank you very much for pushing me in tough moments during the matches. I can’t wait to come back here next year.

First up, time for Novak Djokovic to receive the runner-up plate.

His speech - Thank you very much. First, congratulation to Carlos. Amazing tournament. Best way to describe your work is historic.

I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.

I also have to thank my team for enduring me, giving me support. It hasn’t been smooth sailing but you have been my rock support.

Then, I want to speak to legendary Rafa (Nadal) who is here. It’s very weird to see you there (in the stands) and not here (on the court).

Too many Spanish legends. It felt like it was 2 against 1. It’s unfair but okay.

I had a winning speech prepared and a losing speech prepared.

This was my 21st or 22nd year coming to Australia. I always believe in myself but to be honest, I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony. I owe gratitude to you (the crowd). God knows what happens tomorrow or in the six months or 12 months.

Alcaraz beats Djokovic to win maiden Australian Open title

Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic to win the men's singles title of the 2026 Australian Open, which took place at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Sunday.

Big game for Djokovic yet again. You can bet that the Rod Laver Arena is fully behind the 10-time champion. He does not know what it is like to lose a final on this court. Can he maintain that record?

A 24-shot rally, perhaps the longest of the match, and it is the Serbian who blinks first with a backhand into the net. Alcaraz up 15-0.

Serve-and-volley from Djokovic in this huge moment! Genius thinking and he makes it 15-all.

Djokovic mishits a regular forehand the ball misses the court completely. Alcaraz two points away from the unthinkable.

Championship point for Alcaraz as Djokovic nets a forehand - 40-15.

Djokovic hits a forehand long and that’s it!!!!! He has, at last, been beaten in an Australian Open final.

The streak is over for the Serbian.

Alcaraz, at 22 years 272 days, becomes the youngest man in the history of the sport to achieve the Career Grand Slam and he has done by defeating Novak Djokovic at the Rod Laver Arena of all places!

Another big test for the Spaniard. He saved a break point in his last service game. He will hope to avoid facing any this time.

Alcaraz wins the opening exchange, a shot one, as Djokovic hits the backhand return wide - 15-0.

Solid serve up the T and Djokovic hits the forehand return into the net - 30-0.

Patient play from Djokovic and Alcaraz commits the error in the next rally with his forehand going long - 30-15 to Alcaraz now.

Alcaraz up 40-15 courtesy another big serve wide into the ad court followed by a flat forehand down the line which Djokovic is unable to return.

Alcaraz holds serve and once again, asks Djokovic the question of holding serve to stay in the match.

All eyes on the Serbian. The crowd is with him. They want him to keep going. Can the 38-year-old master stay in this final? Djokovic has changed the racquet for the new balls.

He wins the opening point as a defensive backhand from Alcaraz lands long - 15-0.

An incredible defensive lob from Alcaraz lands in and Djokovic hits the overhead smash long - 15-15.

Accurate point construction from Djokovic to go 30-15 up. Big serve, wide into the ad court and Alcaraz’s return goes long - 40-15.

Djokovic holds and keeps this contest going, much to the delight of the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena.

Now, will the young Spaniard be under pressure?

Unbelievable backhand crosscourt return from Djokovic to keep the point going and Alcaraz hits the slice into the net - 0-15.

Second serve from Alcaraz and Djokovic hits the backhand return into the net - 15-all. Good kick on that serve from the Spaniard.

Big serve, a drop shot and then, an easy volley winner into the open court. Alcaraz goes up 30-15.

Djokovic defending as if his life depends on this point and it works as Alcaraz hits a crosscourt forehand wide! It is 30-all. Big point coming up. Djokovic asking the crowd to make some more noise. He needs that energy.

And he pays the crowd back as he goes up 40-30 with Alcaraz netting a forehand. Break point for the Serbian.

Djokovic wastes the opportunity as he overhits forehand after setting up the point nicely for that killer blow. Deuce game.

A little bit of a mishit from Alcaraz with the forehand but it turns out to be a winner. He apologises to Djokovic but the Spaniard won’t mind that point if it helps him get out of this game unscathed.

Djokovic overhits another forehand and Alcaraz holds serve. After this change of ends, Djokovic will serve to stay in the final and save his unbeaten streak.

Trouble for the Serbian. He is down 0-30.

Djokovic makes it 15-30 with a solid forehand winner down the line. Big serve, wide into the ad court and he makes it 30-all.

And now he is up 40-30 as Alcaraz nets a crosscourt forehand return.

Djokovic overhits a forehand and it is 40-all. Perhaps, a slight window of opportunity for the Spaniard.

Big serve down the T from Djokovic and Alcaraz’s backhand return goes long. Advantage Djokovic.

Djokovic holds serve. There is still life in this contest!

Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand half volley winner in the same corner from the Spaniard while falling backwards. Simply amazing and it earns Djokovic’s appreciation too.

Alcaraz up 40-0 with another well-timed drop shot.

Backhand down the line return winner from Djokovic in response to a wide ad serve from Alcaraz - 40-15.

The Spaniard closes the game to stay mathematically ahead in this set.

Another important service game for Djokovic.

Djokovic up 40-0 quite easily.

Vicious backhand slice from Alcaraz towards the end of the rally and the crosscourt backhand from Djokovic goes wide - 40-15 to the Serbian.

Djokovic holds serve as Alcaraz overhits a forehand return.

Djokovic is still in this.

Djokovic gets into the rally on Alcaraz’s serve but wastes the effort by netting a forehand - 15-0 to Alcaraz.

Make that 30-0 as backhand return from Djokovic flies past the baseline.

Alcaraz up 40-0 with an ace wide into the deuce court. Another ace, wide into the ad court to wrap up the game.

Djokovic was in some physical discomfort during the change of ends but he begins this game confidently and wins the opening point with a forehand down the line.

The Serbian won’t mind shorter games - up 30-0.

An unbelievable defensive lob from Djokovic lands in, Alcaraz forced to keep the point going and he eventually loses it with a failed drop shot.

Love hold for Djokovic. Timely one.

Will Alcaraz be able to reset after missing so many opportunities to break Djokovic in that game?

Djokovic nets a backhand return after a 13-shot rally and it is 15-all. It is now 30-15 to Alcaraz as Djokovic sends a crosscourt forehand wide.

Big serve wide into the ad court from the Spaniard and the backhand return from Djokovic goes long - 40-15.

Alcaraz holds serve as Djokovic hits a backhand long. The Serbian is holding his right hip flexor.

A 14-shot opening exchange and Djokovic sends a forehand long as Alcaraz makes his tired legs work.

Alcaraz is up 30-0 after an incredible retrieve to keep the rally going and eventually, the Serbian hits a forehand long.

Djokovic on the scoreboard as Alcaraz nets a forehand - 15-30.

Second serve from Djokovic, Alcaraz makes the return and Djokovic hits a backhand way beyond the baseline. Two break points for the Spaniard.

Djokovic saves one as a backhand return from Alcaraz lands just wide - 30-40.

Big serve up the T followed by a forehand down the centre of the court from Djokovic to save the second break point. Deuce game.

But the Serbian hits a backhand long in the next exchange and Alcaraz has another chance to break. He doesn’t convert this one either as Djokovic just about makes the overhead smash. Deuce game continues.

Alcaraz earns a fourth break point with a well-disguised drop shot. Will he convert it this time?

The Spaniard can’t do much if Djokovic comes up with an ace, wide into the ad court.

Wide serve into the deuce court from Djokovic followed by a forehand winner in the other corner. Advantage Djokovic.

Deuce game continues as the Serbian nets a backhand. Crucial game for Djokovic.

A really good crosscourt angled forehand from Alcaraz and Djokovic hits a forehand long in response. Fifth break point for the Spaniard.

Alcaraz wastes the chance as he overcooks a forehand return early into the rally.

Sixth break point for Alcaraz as he hits a deep backhand down the line and Djokovic’s forehand lands wide. And Djokovic saves it yet again, with a combination of a wide ad serve and forehand drive volley winner in the same corner.

The serve is coming to Djokovic’s rescue big time as he sets up the point with one and hits a forehand winner. Advantage Djokovic.

Djokovic finally manages to hold serve at the end of a mammoth 11-minute game after Alcaraz finds himself in no position to hit the backhand slice.

Alcaraz serving first in this do-or-die set for Djokovic. The Spaniard is up 30-0 in no time as he closes in on a historic record.

Some big serves from Alcaraz in this game as he holds to go 1-0 up.

Djokovic is down two sets to one. The only time this happened to him in an Australian Open final was in 2020 against Austria’s Dominic Thiem. Obviously, the Serbian won 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic serving to stay in the set.

Alcaraz wins the opening exchange as Djokovic nets the forehand. That sliced backhand from the Spaniard is helping him a lot.

Make that 30-0 to the Spaniard as Djokovic tries the drop, Alcaraz gets to the ball and sends the ball down the line with the Serbian netting the volley in response.

Unbelievable defensive work from Alcaraz to keep the rally going but Djokovic eventually wins it with a crosscourt volley.

Three set points for Alcaraz come and go, the third one after an ace wide into the ad court from Djokovic. Nerves of steel from the Serbian in the face of adversity.

An ice-cold drop shot from Alcaraz to earn another set point. Will he convert it this time?

Big T serve from Djokovic and Alcaraz’s forehand return goes long. Deuce game continues.

Second serve from Djokovic, a little conservative return from Alcaraz allows the Serbian to hit a crosscourt forehand that ultimately kills the point. Advantage Djokovic.

Djokovic not out of danger yet as he hits a regular forehand down the line wide.

Big serve from Djokovic to set up the point and restore advantage.

Alcaraz keeps the deuce game going as he draws a forehand error from Djokovic. Huge game in the context of this final.

Fifth set point for Alcaraz as Djokovic nets a crosscourt forehand. The match hits the two-hour mark.

Backhand from the Serbian goes wide and he loses the set.

Alcaraz serving to keep his advantage intact after some encouraging words from coach Samuel Lopez.

A superb sliced backhand from Alcaraz to change the speed of the opening rally and Djokovic nets the backhand return - 15-0.

Alcaraz goes up 30-0 with a drop shot.

A thunderous crosscourt forehand return winner from Djokovic with the ball catching the outside edge of the line - 30-15 to Alcaraz.

Alcaraz up 40-15 as he closes the net quickly after an incredible volley and Djokovic’s backhand pass goes long.

Alcaraz not out of the woods yet as it 40-30 with Djokovic winning the point with an easy overhead smash.

Alcaraz closes the game as the forehand return from Djokovic lands just wide.

Absolute sorcery! A 16-shot rally at the end of which Alcaraz has the court all to himself to hit the winner 15-all.

Djokovic forgets that point quickly and wins the next one to lead 30-15. A timely T ace from the Serbian to go 40-15 up.

Djokovic holds serve.

Alcaraz serving to consolidate the break. He wins the opening point with a big serve down the T.

Djokovic makes it 15-15 as he draws Alcaraz in with the drop shot before lobbing him. Alcaraz tracks back but his forehand makes the ball land on his side of the court before hitting the net.

Djokovic hits a forehand down the line wide and Alcaraz is up 30-15.

Make that 30-30 as Alcaraz commits a double fault. A chance for Djokovic to strike back?

Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand winner into the ad court from Alcaraz to go 40-30 up.

Alcaraz slams the door shut on Djokovic’s hopes of breaking back as he wins the final exchange with the Serbian netting a backhand return.

Djokovic begins this service game with a double fault. He invested a lot in that return game but didn’t get the reward. Perhaps, the after effects of it.

Alcaraz up 30-0 as Djokovic tries to close the net but nets a difficult forehand volley.

Second serve from Djokovic, Alcaraz misses a huge opportunity as he ends the six-shot rally with an overcooked backhand. 15-30.

Djokovic hits a backhand wide in the next exchange and Alcaraz has two break points.

Alcaraz breaks as Djokovic hits a crosscourt forehand wide. Huge opportunity for the Spaniard now.

Pure wizardry from both players! A sensational get from Djokovic to hit a backhand round the post but Alcaraz is in position to hit the ball back into the open court - 15-0.

Alcaraz overhits a forehand and it is 15-all. Djokovic seems to be back to the level he had shown in the opening set.

Backhand return from Djokovic goes long after he had got himself into the rally. A rare miss - 30-15 to Alcaraz.

Second serve from Alcaraz and Djokovic ups the intensity to draw a forehand error from the Spaniard - 30-all. The crowd chants “Nole! Nole! Nole”

Massive support for the Serbian.

Alcaraz hits a great angled crosscourt forehand and Djokovic almost went into the tunnel from where he entered the Rod Laver Arena after netting the forehand return.

Alcaraz holds serve as Djokovic sends a crosscourt forehand wide.

Djokovic wins the opening point with a delightful drop shot as he notices Alcaraz is way behind the baseline - 15-0.

Djokovic creams a forehand down the line to go 30-0 up.

This time, Djokovic lands the body blow with a strong backhand down the line to draw the error from Alcaraz - 40-0.

A superb second serve down the T from Djokovic to hold serve.

Shot of the day! Djokovic dictates the rally for the most part but Alcaraz wins it with a crosscourt backhand pass as the Serbian tries to close the net.

Alcaraz up 30-0 with an easy forehand winner down the line.

Not the perfect overhead smash from Alcaraz but Djokovic nets the forehand in response - 40-0.

Love hold for Alcaraz.

A 10-shot opening exchange and Djokovic loses it with a netted backhand. Djokovic down 0-30 with an inside-out forehand going wide. Early trouble for the Serbian.

Djokovic draws Alcaraz in with the drop shot, Alcaraz makes it, Djokovic lobs him, Alcaraz comes up with a tweener but Djokovic wins the point with a cool volley - 15-30.

Second serve from Djokovic and Alcaraz shanks the forehand return. That’s going to hurt.

Crosscourt forehand return from Alcaraz finds the net in response to a wide deuce serve from Djokovic - 40-30.

Djokovic nets a regular forehand to take this to deuce as the visuals show that the roof has not been closed yet but it is raining and they may do it at the end of this game.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has the advantage after a backhand return from Alcaraz goes long.

Alcaraz nets a forehand return and Djokovic holds.

New balls at the start of the third set and while the roof was partially open for the first two, it is now being completely closed. Alcaraz is not happy with the decision and is having a word with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley while Djokovic has used his toilet break and outfit change right.

Alcaraz serving for the set.

Wide serve into the deuce court from Alcaraz, Djokovic reads it and makes a solid crosscourt forehand return which draws a forehand error from the Spaniard - 0-15.

Second serve from Alcaraz and Djokovic sends a backhand return long - 15-all.

Wide serve into the deuce court and Djokovic sends the forehand return wide.

Alcaraz earns two set points with a forehand winner as Djokovic seems to be conserving energy for the rest of the match.

T serve from Alcaraz and a tame backhand return from Djokovic finds the net.

Alcaraz takes the second set 6-2 in 36 minutes. One set apiece!

Slow second serve from Djokovic but Alcaraz, standing so far behind the baseline, nets the backhand return - 15-0.

Slow second serve again from Djokovic again, Alcaraz makes the crosscourt backhand return and Djokovic sends the crosscourt wide - 15-all.

A screamer of a backhand down-the-line winner from Alcaraz to go 30-15 up.

Djokovic nets a backhand and Alcaraz has two chance to break Djokovic again. The Serbian’s level has dropped out of nowhere.

Chipped return from Alcaraz to a wide serve from Djokovic lands long. However, Alcaraz converts the second chance as Djokovic nets a regular forehand.

Alcaraz serving to keep his advantage intact.

Second serve into the body, Djokovic makes the return, but Alcaraz wins the point with an inside-out forehand - 15-0.

Big serve up the T from Alcaraz draws a heavy forehand from Djokovic - 30-0. Makes it 40-0 with a T ace.

Wide serve into the ad court and Djokovic’s backhand return goes way beyond the baseline.

Alcaraz holds to love.

Drop shot from Djokovic, Alcaraz replies with the same. However, Djokovic rushes in and wins the point with a backhand winner into the open court - 15-0.

A stunning backhand volley from Djokovic in response to a solid backhand return from Alcaraz and Djokovic is up 30-0. Make that 40-0 as Alcaraz nets the backhand return to a slower serve from the Serbian.

Crosscourt backhand return from Alcaraz clips the net and Djokovic lets it go, only to watch the ball land in.

Djokovic wraps up the game as Alcaraz nets a drop shot.

Alcaraz has the advantage in this second set. Can he hold on to it?

Djokovic wins the opening exchange with a laser-like backhand winner that clips the outside edge of the line.

Alcaraz hits a T ace to make it 15-all.

The Spaniard nets a forehand volley when the return from Djokovic seemed to be overcooked and would have gone long. Djokovic is 30-15 up.

Djokovic hits a backhand return long on a second serve. Big chance missed - 30-all.

Alcaraz overhits a forehand and Djokovic has a chance to break back immediately. He wastes it as the Serbian hits a forehand down the line long. Deuce game.

Wide serve into the deuce court from Alcaraz draws a heavy return from Djokovic. Advantage Alcaraz.

Alcaraz consolidates the break after some exceptional defending, especially after a gorgeous backhand from Djokovic.

Big serve down the T and Djokovic wins the point with an inside-out forehand shot which is really difficult for Alcaraz to return.

Unforced error from Djokovic as he sends a forehand long - 15-all.

A really lucky point for Alcaraz as a forehand return from him hits the top of the net and the ball drops dead on Djokovic’s side. The Spaniard apologises but he’ll gladly take the point to go 30-15 up.

Djokovic steps in for an inside-out forehand but he hits it wide. Two break points for Alcaraz. Big opportunity for the youngster.

Backhand volley from Djokovic goes wide and Alcaraz breaks!

Important service game for Alcaraz. The Spaniard is up 30-0. Opening the court a little bit more.

Djokovic sends a backhand long and Alcaraz goes 40-0 up.

T ace from Alcaraz to hold serve.

Djokovic serving first in the second set after bagging the 33-minute opener.

The Serbian is in a little bit of trouble after two forehand errors to go 0-30 down.

Wide serve into the deuce court from Djokovic and Alcaraz fails to send the ball beyond the net. A crosscourt backhand return from the Spaniard lands wide and Djokovic makes it 30-all.

Another wide serve from Djokovic and this time, Alcaraz sends the forehand return beyond the baseline. Djokovic up 40-30.

Second serve from Djokovic, Alcaraz gets his teeth into the rally and draws a backhand error from the Serbian. Deuce game.

Wide serve from Djokovic sets up the point again and Alcaraz eventually loses the rally with a crosscourt forehand going wide. Advantage Djokovic.

Giving Alcaraz a taste of his own medicine, Djokovic closes the opening game with a drop shot.

The 22-year-old Spaniard serving to stay in the first set. It has been all Djokovic so far in this half an hour.

Alcaraz begins with an ace, wide into the deuce court. He loses the point with a forehand going long - 15-all.

Djokovic waits for the perfect ball after hitting great groundstrokes before unleashing another powerful crosscourt forehand return to go 30-15 up.

A crosscourt forehand winner from Djokovic to go 40-15 up and he has two set points!

Wide serve into the deuce court from Alcaraz again but Djokovic reads it perfectly, makes the crosscourt forehand return and Alcaraz replies with an overcooked forehand to lose the opening set.

Not a particularly strong serve from Djokovic but Alcaraz nets the forehand return on the opening exchange.

Another forehand from Alcaraz finds the net and Djokovic leads 30-0.

Excellend serve, wide into the deuce court from Djokovic, and he wins the point with an easy crosscourt forehand drop shot.

Love hold for Djokovic. Just one game away from taking the opening set.

Is there a way back in this opening set for Alcaraz? Djokovic has come out all guns blazing and has the early lead.

Alcaraz still struggling with landing first serves, allowing Djokovic to get into the rally. The Spaniard is down 0-15 after a crosscourt forehand goes wide.

Another forehand from Alcaraz, this time towards the centre of the court, lands long and he is under pressure at 0-30.

Two unforced errors from Djokovic, both from the forehand wing, and it is 30-all.

Wide serve into the deuce court from Alcaraz and Djokovic is unable to make the return.

Alcaraz wraps up the game to stay within striking distance.

Djokovic nets a forehand in the opening rally. A rather uncharacteristic miss from the Serbian.

Ace, wide into the ad court, and Djokovic makes it 15-all.

Djokovic continues to dominate the early stages as he goes 30-15 up with an easy backhand winner down the line.

Alcaraz reads the wide serve from Djokovic and makes the return but loses the point anyway as he nets a backhand a few moments later.

A perfect T serve and Djokovic consolidates the break.

A scintillating inside-out forehand from Djokovic helps him winning the opening point after a 14-shot rally.

Alcaraz makes it 15-all with a gorgeous drop shot.

Alcaraz goes 30-15 up as Djokovic sends a forehand down the line wide. A double fault from the Spaniard and at 30-all, a window of opportunity for the Serbian.

Alcaraz nets a forehand and Djokovic has the first break point at 40-30. Drop shot to the rescue once again for Alcaraz!

Deuce game.

Djokovic’s forehand is breathing fire at the moment as he earns another chance to break Alcaraz. Will he take it this time?

Alcaraz saves another break point with a forehand down the line as Djokovic guesses wrong.

A superb crosscourt forehand return from Djokovic lands close to Alcaraz’s feet and the forehand from the Spaniard lands wide.

This time, Djokovic does break as Alcaraz hits a backhand long at the end of a 10-shot rally.

Alcaraz fails to use the second serve of Djokovic and loses the point with an overcooked forehand on the fourth shot of the opening rally.

Djokovic up 40-0 in no time.

The 38-year-old Serbian holds to love. Perfect start for the 10-time champion.

Alcaraz to serve. He starts with an ace, wide into the deuce court. Djokovic goes for the backhand down the line early in the rally and finds the net - 30-0.

Good serve down the T from Alcaraz draws a weak backhand return from Djokovic and the Spaniard wraps up the point with a forehand winner - 40-0.

Deep forehand return Djokovic helps him set up a forehand winner down the line but Alcaraz wraps up the game with an overhead smash in the next rally.

A six-shot rally to begin the match and it ends with an overcooked forehand return from Alcaraz.

Djokovic up 40-0.

Alcaraz wins his first point of the night with a forehand down the line after a longish rally.

Djokovic serves down the T, backhand return from Alcaraz goes long. Djokovic holds.

Warm-up is done. Time for the battle of the giants. Djokovic to serve first. It’s a night session match. The roof is open. It’s cold and breezy. Ideal conditions for the Serbian maestro even though the win predictor says Alcaraz is 59 per cent favourite to win the title.

Live visuals from the Rod Laver Arena. Both Djokovic and Alcaraz are proceeding towards the court for the generational battle.

In India, the Australian Open 2026 men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv app/website in a few minutes.

Novak Djokovic holds a daunting 10-0 win-loss record in Australian Open finals. Out of those 10, only two went to a deciding set. In 2012, Djokovic won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 against arch-rival Rafael Nadal in five hours 53 minutes, the longest-ever Grand Slam final in history. Eight years later, he survived a scare to defeat Austria’s Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

On five occasions, Djokovic has won the title in straight sets.

List of Australian Open men’s singles champions in Open era: From Rod Laver to Jannik Sinner

From Rod Laver in 1969 to Jannik Sinner in 2025, here is the complete list of men’s singles champions at the Australian Open.

I would say I rather win this one (Australian Open) than the three (other Slams) and complete the Grand Slam and be the youngest ever to do it.

I never stopped believing in myself, you know. There’s a lot of people that doubt me. I see there is a lot of experts all of a sudden that wanted to retire me or have retired me many times the ⁠last couple of years. I want to thank them all, because they gave me strength.

Alcaraz: 17 hours 21 minutes

Djokovic: 13 hours 16 minutes

Novak Djokovic and Carlos ‍Alcaraz meet in Sunday’s Australian Open final with history in the balance, as the Serbian great chases a record 25th Grand Slam title and the Spanish dynamo bids to become the youngest man to win all four Majors.

Modern men’s tennis has ‌not lacked for champions pushing for the next frontier of greatness but the stakes have rarely been higher in a single match.

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It’s time for the men’s singles final of the Australian Open 2026 - arguably the biggest match in the history of the sport. The stakes are higher than ever. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is looking to becoming the most decorated champion with 25 Majors while Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to be the youngest-ever man to achieve the Career Grand Slam.

Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of this blockbuster clash. I’m Nihit and I’ll be taking you through this exciting generational battle for the next few hours on this first Sunday of February.

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