Alcaraz questions ‘somewhat bizarre’ move to partially close roof

Video credit: TNT Sports

There was a “bizarre” moment in the 2026 Australian Open men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic as the roof was partially closed after the second set.

The first two sets of the historic final were shared in Melbourne, with Alcaraz roaring back to take the second and level the match.

Djokovic went off court following the second set for a comfort break, and during that time Alcaraz spoke to the umpire after spotting the roof on Rod Laver Arena had closed more.

The roof had not been fully open at the start of the match but Alcaraz noticed there had been a change after the end of the second set.

“Why close it a bit?” he could be heard saying to chair umpire John Blom. “I didn’t know that. I just looked up and I’m like ‘why is it closing?’”

Alcaraz didn’t appear pleased with the decision and had a conversation with Australian Open tournament referee Wayne McKewen. Tournament director Craig Tiley could also be seen on the phone.

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Alcaraz wins ‘point of the tournament’ after Djokovic hits shot round the net

Video credit: TNT Sports

“It seems somewhat bizarre,” said TNT Sports commentator Tim Henman.

“If it is going to rain then shut the roof completely and get on with it, if it’s not going to rain then why have they closed the roof so significantly?

“Alcaraz doesn’t look thrilled with that conversation. Obviously closing the roof is taking away the element of the wind because it can’t get in.

“We have had four breaks of serve from the umpire’s right and there has been a breeze down the court. 

“I think it might eradicate that breeze and make it more like indoor conditions. Who does that suit? I think if I had to choose one, I would choose Djokovic.”

Henman later confirmed that he had heard from the referee’s office that the move was made because rain was forecast.

“The response was, it’s raining very close by so it’s in preparation for shutting the roof swiftly and then a much shorter delay,” explained Henman.

The closing of the roof didn’t seem to knock Alcaraz off his stride. After taking the second set he took an early break of serve in the third set and eventually won it 6-3.

Alcaraz then clinched the fourth as he became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

His seventh Grand Slam title moves him level with John McEnroe and Mats Wilander in the all-time standings.

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Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+