Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz conquers career Grand Slam in comeback victory against Novak Djokovic

At 22 years and 272 days old, Carlos Alcaraz has redefined tennis history.

The world No. 1 sealed his first Australian Open title on Sunday (1 February), coming back to defeat 10-time champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

Alcaraz becomes the youngest male player ever to complete the career Grand Slam, beating the 16-year record set by Rafael Nadal at 24 years and 101 days old.

His seventh major is the one that completes the collection, alongside two victories at each of the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. After three hours and two minutes, it is a night at Melbourne Park that the Murcian will never forget.

“Nobody knows how hard I have been working to get this trophy,” said the newly crowned champion in the victory ceremony. “I’ve just chased this moment so much. In pre-season it was a little bit of a rollercoaster emotionally, and we went through [a period] of not [listening] to what other people were saying.”

Djokovic’s wait for his elusive 25th Grand Slam title goes on, as the 38-year-old is a runner-up at the Australian Open for the first time in his career. Melbourne’s record champion came so close to a new chapter of history, only to be bested by ‘Carlitos’.

AO 2026: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic - the final, as it happened

AO 2026: Elena Rybakina triumphs over Aryna Sabalenka to claim first Australian Open title

Australian Open 2026 – Alcaraz ascends to the top with historic victory in Melbourne

This is the first season that Alcaraz has begun with a new head coach and as the world No. 1. Continuing the string of firsts, he has finally claimed his maiden Australian Open in his fifth appearance at the ‘Happy Slam’.

Alcaraz and Djokovic have faced off in multiple title deciders over the past three years, from the Olympic gold medal match to Grand Slam finals. This 10th meeting, just like the Paris 2024 final, had so much riding on it for both men in pursuit of history.

In that match, Djokovic brought out the vintage version of himself to win gold, and there was an echo of the Olympic champion’s form as he stormed to the opening set at Melbourne Park. To be playing at his level aged 38 is not to be underestimated.

After an uncharacteristically slow start from Alcaraz, he quickly reset to stamp his authority down on the men’s singles final. The world No. 1 was relentless in his pursuit of points, needing little time to bring out his best version on the biggest stage en route to the championship.

The top seed has now beaten two Olympic gold medallists this week, first a five-set battle against Alexander Zverev followed by a tense final with Djokovic. Sunday’s victory also grows his gap at the top of the ATP rankings to 3,350 points.

Alcaraz has started the year as he finished the last: as the best men’s tennis player in the world. His relentless fight to complete the Grand Slam collection has led him to write his name on the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for the first time, marking another spectacular chapter of his blossoming career.

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