Carlos Alcaraz completed one of the most significant achievements in modern tennis on Sunday, claiming the Australian Open title in Melbourne. With a four-set victory over Novak Djokovic, the Spaniard sealed a career Grand Slam at the age of 22, while extending the Serbian champion’s wait for a standalone record 25th major title.
Final result and historic milestone
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the final of the Australian Open on 1 February.
With the win, Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam and only the ninth player in history to win the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. The victory marked his seventh major title.
Grand Slam titles before Melbourne
Prior to his success in Australia, Alcaraz had already collected multiple major trophies. He won Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024, Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025, and the US Open in 2022 and 2025.
Djokovic’s strong opening set
Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, made an authoritative start. Using his experience and tactical awareness, the 38-year-old broke serve in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead and broke again to close the opening set 6-2.
His precision on serve and control from the baseline allowed him to dictate play early, raising questions about how long he could maintain that level after a demanding semi-final.
Momentum shifts in the second and third sets
Alcaraz found greater rhythm in the second set. A crucial break in the third game, aided by a net cord, shifted momentum, and further breaks allowed him to level the match with a 6-2 set.
The Spaniard continued to apply pressure in the third set, breaking twice to establish control. Although Djokovic resisted and forced extended games, Alcaraz secured the set 6-3 after a prolonged ninth game, moving one set away from the title.
Decisive moments in the fourth set
The fourth set remained finely balanced. Djokovic saved multiple break points early and created opportunities of his own, but Alcaraz held firm in key baseline exchanges.
With both players holding serve deep into the set, the decisive moment came in the 12th game. After a deep return from Alcaraz at 15-30, Djokovic netted a forehand on championship point, sealing the Spaniard’s victory at 7-5.
Post-match reactions and context
Following the match, Djokovic crossed the net to embrace Alcaraz, acknowledging the significance of the moment. In his address to the crowd, Djokovic expressed uncertainty about future appearances in Melbourne, noting the physical demands of the tour.
Djokovic remains tied on 24 major titles with Margaret Court, who was present at Rod Laver Arena, after last winning a Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open.
The final was watched by several former champions, including Rafael Nadal, Djokovic’s long-time rival and a key influence on Alcaraz.
A changing balance in men’s tennis
Over the past two seasons, Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner have emerged as the dominant forces in men’s tennis. Alcaraz’s first triumph on Melbourne’s hard courts means the pair have now shared the last nine Grand Slam titles between them.
Djokovic had produced a demanding performance to defeat Sinner in the semi-finals, but overcoming both younger players in succession proved beyond him.
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ