Australian Open Final 2026: Carlos Alcaraz beats Djokovic in epic clash, becomes youngest to win...

Carlos Alcaraz etched his name into tennis history on Sunday by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, becoming the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam. The 22-year-old Spaniard achieved the feat at Melbourne Park, a venue where Djokovic had never lost in his previous 10 finals.

Top-ranked Alcaraz was tested early as Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, claimed the opening set 6-2 with aggressive intent. But the young Spaniard responded with remarkable composure, turning the match around to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Alcaraz absorbed relentless pressure and retrieved shots that are usually winners for the 38-year-old Serbian.

When the final point was secured, Alcaraz dropped his racket and fell flat on his back, hands over his head, soaking in the magnitude of the moment. After a brief pause, he walked to the net, where Djokovic smiled and warmly congratulated him. Alcaraz then celebrated with his coaching team courtside before embracing his father and support staff in the stands.

A Battle of Endurance and Precision

Both players entered the final after gruelling five-set semifinal victories and showcased exceptional fitness over just more than three hours. Neither man yielded easily on crucial points. Alcaraz converted five of his 16 break-point chances, while Djokovic managed two of six.

Records Rewritten

At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz surpassed Don Budge’s long-standing record from 1938 to become the youngest man to win all four major singles titles. The Australian Open marked his first title in Melbourne, adding to two Wimbledon, two French Open and two US Open crowns.

With seven Grand Slam titles now to his name, Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph in Melbourne signals not just a changing of the guard, but the arrival of a generational champion at the peak of world tennis.