Carlos Alcaraz delivered a defining performance at the Australian Open on Sunday, defeating Novak Djokovic in four sets to claim his first title in Melbourne and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. The 22-year-old Spaniard rallied after dropping the opening set to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena, denying Djokovic a record-breaking 25th major championship.
With the victory, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to win all four Grand Slam singles titles, achieving the feat at 22 years and 272 days. He surpassed a long-standing mark set by Don Budge in 1938 and also eclipsed Rafael Nadal, who was older when he completed the set. The win earned Alcaraz $4.15 million and cemented his status as world No. 1.
Djokovic, playing his 11th Australian Open final after winning his previous 10, started strongly by breaking Alcaraz twice in the opening set. But the 38-year-old Serbian great, coming off a grueling five-set semifinal, could not sustain that momentum as Alcaraz’s speed, defense and aggressive shot-making steadily took control of the match. Alcaraz broke serve twice in the second set to level the contest, then seized command in the third by converting a key break midway through. Djokovic mounted one last push in the fourth set, holding serve through a series of long, physical games and saving multiple break points. However, Alcaraz closed the door late, breaking Djokovic in his final service game after a 24-shot rally to secure the championship.
Djokovic said of Alcaraz after the match: “I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary.” The loss means Djokovic’s pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles crown remains on hold, with Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner having now blocked him from that milestone across nine majors. Djokovic earned $2.15 million for his runner-up finish and is set to move up to No. 3 in the ATP rankings.
Alcaraz said during the ESPN broadcast: “I think nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. It was a bit of a roller coaster emotionally. … We just did the right work. My team was pushing me every day to do the right things. I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner.””
Looking ahead, Alcaraz will attempt to extend his dominance at the 2026 French Open, scheduled for May 24 to June 7 in Paris, as he chases a third straight title there and a third consecutive major overall. Wimbledon will follow from June 29 to July 12, with the U.S. Open running from Aug. 30 to Sept. 13.
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