Alcaraz Defeats Djokovic for First Melbourne Title

World number one Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena to win his first Australian Open and complete a career Grand Slam, becoming the youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, now with seven major titles, also solidified his status as world number one.

Djokovic, at 38, had hoped to extend his major total to 25 but was stopped in Melbourne, where he had previously won ten titles.

Novak Djokovic (L) greets Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz on his victory after their men’s singles final match on day fifteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) /

Alcaraz started slowly, dropping the first set as Djokovic produced vintage form. The shift came in the second set, where Alcaraz raised his level to level the match. The third set saw Alcaraz seize control, and he carried that momentum into a tight fourth set that included a dramatic late push from Djokovic. In the end, Alcaraz broke Djokovic’s serve late in the fourth set to seal the victory and claim the title.

Post-match, Alcaraz paid tribute to Djokovic and reflected on writing “Job finished. Four out of four complete” on a TV camera lens, underscoring the significance of completing the set of majors.

Djokovic acknowledged the achievement and suggested the possibility that Melbourne might be his last appearance at the tournament, while joking with Rafael Nadal in the stands.

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