Carlos Alcaraz Wins Australian Open / Career Grand Slam

On January 25, 2026, the landscape of tennis history shifted in Melbourne, Australia. In a stunning comeback victory at Rod Laver Arena, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in four sets (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5) to claim the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles title.

At just 22 years old, the Spanish sensation has completed the Career Grand Slam, having won all four of tennis’s major championships. Alcaraz is now the youngest player in history to achieve this feat, breaking records that stood for decades. This victory marks the seventh Grand Slam title of his career, cementing his status as the premier force in the sport’s new era.

A Final to Remember: Alcaraz’s Stunning Comeback

The championship match began with early dominance from the "King of Melbourne." Djokovic came out firing, breaking Alcaraz twice to take the first set 6-2. With a perfect 10-0 record in previous Australian Open finals, it appeared the 38-year-old Serbian legend was on his way to a record-breaking 25th major.

However, Alcaraz, known for his tenacity and fearless shot-making, quickly turned the tide. He settled his nerves in the second set, utilizing explosive forehands and trademark drop shots to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm. Alcaraz leveled the match by taking the second set 6-2 and maintained momentum to take the third 6-3.

The fourth set was a high-stakes battle of wills. At 5–5, Alcaraz executed a crucial break of serve with a mesmerizing backhand passing shot. Serving for the championship at 6–5, Alcaraz fired a blistering forehand winner to clinch the title after 3 hours and 12 minutes of play.

Carlos Alcaraz has officially completed the set of all four major trophies by the age of 22.

Youngest Champion to Achieve the Career Grand Slam

By winning in Melbourne, Alcaraz surpassed the marks of tennis icons. The previous record for the youngest male to achieve a Career Grand Slam was held by Don Budge (nearly 24) and Rafael Nadal (24 in the Open Era). Alcaraz’s achievement at 22 is a testament to his meteoric rise.

Alcaraz’s Grand Slam Journey:

• US Open: 2022, 2024
• Wimbledon: 2023, 2024
• French Open: 2024, 2025
• Australian Open: 2026

Alcaraz is now one of only eight men in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, joining the elite company of Agassi, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.

Denying Djokovic’s 25th Major

For Novak Djokovic, the final was an opportunity to claim his 25th Grand Slam title and move past Margaret Court for the all-time record. While he fell short, Djokovic’s performance underscored his longevity. Remarkably, this loss marked the first time in his 19-year career that he finished as a runner-up at the Australian Open.

Djokovic remains the only player to have achieved a "Triple Career Grand Slam" (winning each major at least three times) and holds the record for the most weeks at World No. 1.

"Carlos showed incredible fighting spirit and quality today. He absolutely deserves this victory," Djokovic said during the trophy ceremony. "The future of tennis is in good hands."

World No. 1 – and 13,650 Points to Prove It

With this title, Alcaraz firmly secures the ATP World No. 1 ranking. His points total has reached 13,650, the fourth-highest tally in ATP history, trailing only the peak totals of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal.

His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, highlighted the young champion's ambition: "Carlitos always believed he could achieve big things at a young age. To see him actually do it is just incredible."

Global Reactions and Legacy

The victory sparked celebrations across Spain and drew praise from the global sporting community. Rafael Nadal congratulated his compatriot on social media, calling it an "amazing achievement." Australian legend Rod Laver was also in attendance, praising Alcaraz’s all-court game.

Fans on social media noted that Alcaraz has officially "retired" the meme of his missing Australian Open trophy. The tennis world now looks toward the 2026 French Open, where the rivalry between the aging master Djokovic and the young king Alcaraz is expected to continue.

Match Statistics: Alcaraz vs. Djokovic (2026)

Watch: Highlights of the Alcaraz vs Djokovic Rivalry
Read More: Official ATP Rankings and Player Profiles
Statistics: Detailed Match Stats [PDF]