Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning the Australian Open men’s singles title (REUTERS)
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to make history in the Australian Open final as he became the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at the age of 22.
The world No 1 eclipsed Don Budge’s 1938 record by completing the set of four grand slam titles in record time, and now has seven overall after adding his first Australian Open crown to doubles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
In doing so, Alcaraz denied Djokovic a major milestone in a historic final. The Serbian was aiming for the standalone grand slam singles title record of 25, and to become the oldest grand slam winner of all time at 38, and made a flying start by winning the opening set.
But Alcaraz overturned Djokovic’s quick start, finding his level. In the third set, he produced a moment of magic as he broke Djokovic to lead and then moved a set away. Djokovic rallied in the fourth, Alcaraz withstood the fight back as the match ticked in a third hour.
Alcaraz fell onto his back as Djokovic’s forehand flew long on the first championship point. With his 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory, he joins the illustrious list of Don Budge, Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic to win all four major titles, doing so faster than anyone else.
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Australian Open latest scores and updates Carlos Alcaraz gives his speech
Alcaraz thanks Nadal too, suggesting it’s the first time the legendary Spaniard has watched him play as a professional, rather than a junior.
He thanks the tournament organisers, everyone that makes this tournament what it is, and ends with “I can’t wait to come back here next year.”
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 12:13
Carlos Alcaraz gives his speech
“Wow,” Alcaraz says a few times, before turning his attention to Djokovic.
“He deserves an ovation for sure. What you’re doing is really inspiring, not for only tennis players but athletes, people around the world, hard work every day with your team, playing such great tennis. I enjoy so much watching you play, it’s been an honour sharing the court, so thank you very much for what you are doing. It’s very inspiring to me,” he says, shaking hands with an appreciative Djokovic.
He thanks his team now. “It was a little bit rollercoaster emotionally,” no doubt referring to his split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, and says they blocked out the outside noise. “We just did the right work. You were pushing me every day to do all the right things, so I’ve got to say I’m very grateful to everyone in my corner right now. This trophy is ours.”
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 12:11
Carlos Alcaraz lifts the trophy
Now Carlos Alcaraz lifts the trophy aloft, to applause.
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 12:08
Novak Djokovic gives his speech
Novak Djokovic is in good spirits despite it all. He wants to thank his former rival Rafael Nadal, who is in the stands.
“Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here, but I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you and have you watch the finals here. Thank you for being present,” he says.
“Too many Spanish legends, I felt like it was two against one, it wasn’t fair, but okay,” he grins.
“I had a winning speech prepared and a losing speech prepared, so let me go back one second,” he says to laughter. “I want to keep this short, this is Carlos’s moment. You guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something I have never experienced in Australia, that much love, positivity. I tried to give you back good tennis over the years. I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward over the last couple of years.
“God knows what hapens tomorrow, let alone in six months or twelve months, so it has been a great ride. I love you guys!”
He gets a raucous reception, as he should.
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 12:07
Carlos Alcaraz wins Australian Open
Onto the trophy ceremony now; 50 years on from winning the title here, Mark Edmonson is here to present the trophy.
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 11:58
Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion
The world No 1 eclipsed Don Budge’s 1938 record by completing the set of four grand slam titles in record time, and now has seven overall after adding his first Australian Open crown to doubles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Spare a thought for Novak Djokovic, whose wait for a 25th major title goes on. He may never have a better chance – but this tournament has proved, if proof was needed, that he’s still got it.
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 11:56
Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 11:53
Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion!
Alcaraz cannot stop grinning. He hugs his team, thanks the crowd, and sits down, still with a beaming smile, almost in disbelief at what he’s achieved.
His seventh grand slam at the age of just 22. History made in Melbourne.
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 11:51
Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion!
Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man in history to complete the set of majors, and only the ninth to ever do so!
Djokovic smiles as the pair embrace, before Alcaraz runs over to celebrate with his team. What a player.
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 11:49
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 7-5 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic with the second serve – Alcaraz returns, and Djokovic sends it wide!!!
CARLOS ALCARAZ IS THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION!
Flo Clifford1 February 2026 11:49