Carlos Alcaraz had the match of his life to overcome Novak Djokovic in a four-set thriller and take the 2026 Australian Open crown, as well as becoming the youngest men’s player ever to complete a Career Grand Slam.
With history at stake for both players, Djokovic made an aggressive start and effortlessly took the first set 6-2, as he was perfect on his serve and went forward to win the majority of baseline rallies. But, Alcaraz was not out of the fight, he quickly answered with a loud 6-2 second set, greatly increasing his vigor and unleashing winners from every corner of the court.
The standard of play soared even more in the third as the two found their groove with each other, though it was Alcaraz that landed the killer blow. The Spaniard got the break to go 4-2 up and closed the set 6-3 by breaking the last game, giving himself historic glory just a set away.
Djokovic continued the battle with his guerrilla qualities in the fourth set, at one point saving a few break points, and with his playing style, he made Alcaraz work hard for every point. It was at 6-5 when the turning point of the match came as a double fault from the Serb offered Alcaraz a game point, and then a forehand mistake confirmed the match.
Alcaraz collapsed on the court in joy after securing his maiden Australian Open, completing his amazing Career Grand Slam at only 22. Djokovic, on the other hand, was thwarted in his quest for a record-breaking 25th major, but he left the door open for a continuation of his chase.
