Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic on Sunday to win his first Australian Open title and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, denying the Serbian star a record-extending 25th major crown.
The Spanish world number one recovered from a slow start to overpower the 38-year-old 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5 on Rod Laver Arena, sealing his seventh Grand Slam title and further cementing his dominance at the top of men’s tennis.
With the victory, Alcaraz has now won all four major tournaments — the Australian Open, Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open — becoming the youngest man in the Open era to achieve the feat. At 22, he eclipsed Rafael Nadal, who completed his career Grand Slam at 24. Nadal was in the crowd to witness the milestone.
The triumph places Alcaraz alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander on seven Slam titles, just one behind legends Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, and Ivan Lendl.
“Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy,” Alcaraz said after the match. Writing on a TV camera lens, he added: “Job finished. Four out of four complete.”
Calling it “a dream come true,” he said winning the Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam had long been a personal goal.
Alcaraz also praised Djokovic, acknowledging the Serbian’s lasting influence on the sport.
“You were talking about how I’m doing the things I am, but what you’re doing is really inspiring, not only for tennis players but for athletes around the world,” he said.
For Djokovic, it marked his first defeat in an Australian Open final after winning all 10 of his previous appearances. He remains one title short of a 25th Grand Slam, which would move him past Margaret Court’s all-time record.
The Serbian, who last won a major at the 2023 US Open, admitted he did not expect to reach another Grand Slam final.
“I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again,” he told fans. “It has been a great ride.”
He also hinted that his time in Melbourne may be nearing an end, saying the future remains uncertain.
Both players came into the final after gruelling five-set semi-finals — Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic against Jannik Sinner — but showed little sign of fatigue in a high-intensity contest.
Djokovic struck first, breaking early and taking the opening set in commanding fashion. But Alcaraz quickly shifted momentum, raising his tempo and power to dominate the second and third sets with aggressive baseline play.
Long rallies and dramatic exchanges defined the third set before Alcaraz seized control. Djokovic fought hard in the fourth, saving multiple break points in a marathon opening service game, but the Spaniard eventually broke through and served out the match to secure a famous victory.
The win ensures Alcaraz retains the world number one ranking, with Sinner second and Djokovic climbing to third.
It was another statement performance from a player many now regard as the sport’s new standard-bearer.
