Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz overpowers Novak Djokovic in the final to become the youngest to complete a career Grand Slam

Australian Open 2026: World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz has defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win the Australian Open 2026. This is Alcaraz's maiden AO title and 7th Grand Slam championship overall. Alcaraz got the better of Novak in four sets, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. With the win, Alcaraz has scripted history. The 22-year-old is the youngest to complete a career Grand Slam.Novak Djokovic's wait to conquer the elusive 25th Grand Slam title continues as the Serbian got overwhelmed in the Australian Open final by Carlos Alcaraz. Having battled past Jannik Sinner in the semi-final in a 5-set thriller, Djokovic started the final on a positive note, winning the first set 6-2. However, Arcaraz made a strong comeback, winning the second and third sets, 6-2 and 6-3. All eyes were on Djokovic to win the fourth set and extend the match to the fifth set, but Carlos held his nerves and did not let him break his serve, eventually winning the set 7-5 and scripting history. Novak Djokovic's road to the finalAfter picking up straight set wins over Pedro Martinez, Francesco Maestrelli, and Botic van de Zandschulp in the first three rounds, Djokovic received a walkover against Jakud Mensik, who got injured. In the quarterfinal, he faced Lorenzo Musetti, who had put him under the pump by winning the first two sets. However, an injury forced the Italian to retire from the match. Consequently, Djokovic received another walkover.In the semi-final against Sinner, Djokovic lost the first set, but came back quickly by winning the second set. He went down again in the match after Jannik won the third set, but one can never count Djokovic, especially when it is a semi-final, that also at the Australian Open. Using all his experience, he broke Sinner's serve twice in the last two sets and ultimately prevailed.What did Djokovic say after the Australian Open final?Speaking following the culmination of the match, the Serbian humbly admitted that he did not expect himself to make to the final.“The last couple of matches gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia, that much love ... I think (this is my) 21st, maybe 22nd year,” Djokovic said.“I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a of a Grand Slam once again. So, I think I owe you (the crowd) gratitude as well for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks.The 38-year-old did not reveal what the future holds for him, but did not give any signs of taking retirement too.“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone six months or 12 months. It has been a great ride, I love you guys.”