Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets Sunday evening to win the Australian Open and complete the Career Grand Slam. It did not take long for some of the biggest stars in tennis, including Rafael Nadal, to share their congratulations. "Congratulations @DjokerNole on reaching another final in Melbourne and continuing to make history in our sport," Nadal added. "Thank you for your words during the ceremony!" Thank you for your words during the ceremony! Juan Martin del Potro, Ana Ivanovic, Rod Laver and Martina Navratilova were among the first to react to the final. You May Also Like: Carlos Alcaraz's Career Grand Slam: Daring tennis, defining triumph Congratulations on your first AO crown and another major title, @carlosalcaraz. Your talent, courage and joy for the game light up our sport. 🎾 Congrats, @carlosalcaraz on adding the @AustralianOpen title to your collection! 👏🏼 Incredible performance and tournament @DjokerNole - Showing everyone why you are the GOAT. Congrats to @carlosalcaraz for your win at the @AustralianOpen and making history!!! You make it look easy and oh so much fun!! And cheers to another incredible performance by @DjokerNole. These two are so much fun to watch. Congratulations @carlosalcaraz And inspiring from @DjokerNole to play that level as well. holy toledo A career grand slam at 22 Escape from Alcaraz @carlosalcaraz amazing effort winning 1st @AustralianOpen 😎💪👍👊 🏆 Congratulations @carlosalcaraz on winning your first @AustralianOpen #title completing an incredible historical run at 22 years old. Tonight's match was spectacular, with so much on the line on both sides of the court and you handled it with poise. Plenty of celebrities from outside of the tennis world were also following the Australian Open closely. Basketball legend Pau Gasol, actor Ben Stiller and more posted on social media after the match. What stood out at the Australian Open was Carlos Alcaraz's patience. In the longer rallies, he stayed composed, kept his opponent under pressure, and chose his moments smartly. And the way he covered the court, so quick and precise, was a joy to watch! At 22, playing with that kind of belief is special! Stepping onto the grand stage and taking down a legend takes heart! Massive respect to @carlosalcaraz 🫡 Congratulations and very well played 🔥 The game is in great hands 🎾 🏆 @AustralianOpen #Alcaraz #AlcarazDjokovic Delayed post because I had to go back and rewatch what we all just saw between @carlosalcaraz and @DjokerNole!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Mind blowing at the show of grace, grit and greatness!!! You remain number 1 and are the youngest player in history to win all four Grand Slam tournaments. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
There is stunning history that ties together the first Australian Open titles of Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Each of their victories came on 1 February. You May Also Like: Carlos Alcaraz's Career Grand Slam: Daring tennis, defining triumph Alcaraz joined the club on Sunday when he battled past 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the final. Nadal, who was present inside Rod Laver Arena Sunday, lifted his first Melbourne trophy in 2009. After winning a memorable five-set semi-final against Fernando Verdasco, the lefty defeated Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-2 to claim glory. 1 Club en route to the crown: Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Marat Safin. Federer surged past Safin 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-2 in the final before capturing his Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2009. Alcaraz is now a seven-time major champion aged 22, while Nadal won 22 majors and Federer 20. Sinner also won his first Australian Open aged 22 on his fifth appearance at the tournament, but on 28 January. The Italian emerged victorious in 2024, rallying from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. The Italian will try to complete his Career Grand Slam later this year at Roland Garros. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Melbourne to play his first tournament without long-time former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.A few weeks later, he departs Australia as the youngest man with a Career Grand Slam in hand following an “unusual situation” during the off-season.Read More: Ferrero joins golfer Angel Ayora's team A few weeks later, he departs Australia as the youngest man with a Career Grand Slam in hand following an “unusual situation” during the off-season.Read More: Ferrero joins golfer Angel Ayora's team On Sunday, Alcaraz bested Novak Djokovic in four sets to win his first Australian Open title. While the 22-year-old said there wasn't extra motivation to show he could win without Ferrero by his side, Alcaraz was nevertheless content to silence any critics who questioned the change.“Just happy to prove all the people were wrong,” he stated to press.“A lot of people were talking about everything and having doubts about my level in this tournament.” “Just happy to prove all the people were wrong,” he stated to press.“A lot of people were talking about everything and having doubts about my level in this tournament.” We all know how hard I worked in the pre-season to be ready for this tournament. With the season's first major checked off the list, Alcaraz for the first time will make a run for a calendar-year Grand Slam—a feat that hasn't been accomplished by a man since Rod Laver in 1969. 1 has triumphed on his past two visits to Roland Garros, won two of the past three Wimbledon finals and is the defending US Open champion,“It's going to be a big challenge. I just want it to be one at a time. I just want it to be one at a time. Before making a run at that target, Alcaraz has some Grand Slam-related business to arrange. It's going to be in the leg, for sure. It's going to be in the leg, for sure.
The belief that more major success lies ahead still burns brightly for Novak Djokovic, despite the Serbian suffering his first Australian Open final defeat on Sunday. The 38-year-old had beaten Jannik Sinner in a gruelling five-set semi-final, but ultimately could not overcome Carlos Alcaraz, who became the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam. “I always believe I can,” Djokovic said when asked about whether he feels he can win a 25th Slam. It's great that I was able to beat Jannik in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets. That's sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make an assessment of what happened over the last couple of weeks, it's an incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship. But nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.” Djokovic last won a major at the US Open in 2023. He explained how adjusting his mindset in recent years has helped him manage the pressures of elite competition. “I lowered my expectations the last couple of years, which also, I think, allows me to be able to let go of some of that unnecessary additional stress,” Djokovic explained. “It also feels good a little bit not being always the main favourite to win Slams. I think that kind of gives you a little bit of that extra motivation, I guess, when it comes down to the last rounds of the Slam.” The Serbian won the opening set and stayed with Alcaraz for large periods of the fourth set before eventually falling after three hours and two minutes in Sunday's final. Alcaraz has now levelled the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 5-5, having won the three major finals they've played. “Then I kind of regained my energy back and momentum in mid-fourth. I asked the crowd to get involved. “Just bad miss at 4-4 and break point, and that forehand, I had a good look at that forehand. Djokovic had won all 10 of his previous Australian Open finals. The 101-time tour-level titlist, who is up to No. 3 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, enjoyed a unique route to the last four, having received a fourth-round walkover from Jakub Mensik and benefitted from a quarter-final retirement from Lorenzo Musetti, who was leading Djokovic by two sets. “Overall, for sure it's been a fantastic tournament,” Djokovic said. “I knew that I'd probably have to beat two of them on the way to the title. I beat one, which is great, so it's a step further than I have gone in Grand Slams than last year. By triumphing in Melbourne, Alcaraz captured his seventh major and completed the Career Grand Slam. Djokovic was full of praise for the 22-year-old Spaniard. “The results are a testament to his already stellar career. I can't think of any other superlatives about him,” Djokovic said. “He deserves every bit of the praise that he gets from his peers, but also the whole tennis community. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
Carlos Alcaraz has already broken a lot of records in his young career, but in Melbourne on Sunday night he broke his biggest one yet.He battled past Novak Djokovic for his first Australian Open title, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, and having already won the other three Grand Slam events—twice each, no less—the 22-year-old Spaniard has become the youngest man in tennis history to complete the Career Grand Slam.The previous record dates all the way back to 1938, when the late Don Budge, a slightly older 22 at the time, completed his set at Roland Garros.MEN TO COMPLETE THE CAREER SLAM (all-time, listed by age):22 years, 8 months: Carlos Alcaraz [at 2026 Australian Open]22 years, 11 months: Don Budge [at 1938 Roland Garros]24 years, 1 month: Rod Laver [at 1962 US Open]24 years, 3 months: Rafael Nadal [at 2010 US Open]26 years, 0 months: Fred Perry [at 1935 Roland Garros]27 years, 8 months: Roy Emerson [at 1964 Wimbledon]27 years, 9 months: Roger Federer [at 2009 Roland Garros]29 years, 0 months: Novak Djokovic [at 2016 Roland Garros]29 years, 1 month: Andre Agassi [at 1999 Roland Garros] He battled past Novak Djokovic for his first Australian Open title, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, and having already won the other three Grand Slam events—twice each, no less—the 22-year-old Spaniard has become the youngest man in tennis history to complete the Career Grand Slam.The previous record dates all the way back to 1938, when the late Don Budge, a slightly older 22 at the time, completed his set at Roland Garros.MEN TO COMPLETE THE CAREER SLAM (all-time, listed by age):22 years, 8 months: Carlos Alcaraz [at 2026 Australian Open]22 years, 11 months: Don Budge [at 1938 Roland Garros]24 years, 1 month: Rod Laver [at 1962 US Open]24 years, 3 months: Rafael Nadal [at 2010 US Open]26 years, 0 months: Fred Perry [at 1935 Roland Garros]27 years, 8 months: Roy Emerson [at 1964 Wimbledon]27 years, 9 months: Roger Federer [at 2009 Roland Garros]29 years, 0 months: Novak Djokovic [at 2016 Roland Garros]29 years, 1 month: Andre Agassi [at 1999 Roland Garros] Having won his first US Open title at age 19, his first Wimbledon title at age 20 and his first Roland Garros title at age 21, it's only fitting that Alcaraz would win his first Australian Open title this year at age 22.The Happy Slam had been a thorn in his side, though, his best results coming into this year's edition being two quarterfinals—he fell to Alexander Zverev in that round in 2024 and to Djokovic in 2025.This year, after a 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Alex de Minaur to finally get over the quarterfinal hump, the Spaniard got revenge against Zverev in the semifinals with a grueling 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 victory, overcoming cramping and battling back from 5-3 down in the fifth set to outlast the German after five hours and 27 minutes on court. The Happy Slam had been a thorn in his side, though, his best results coming into this year's edition being two quarterfinals—he fell to Alexander Zverev in that round in 2024 and to Djokovic in 2025.This year, after a 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Alex de Minaur to finally get over the quarterfinal hump, the Spaniard got revenge against Zverev in the semifinals with a grueling 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 victory, overcoming cramping and battling back from 5-3 down in the fifth set to outlast the German after five hours and 27 minutes on court. This year, after a 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Alex de Minaur to finally get over the quarterfinal hump, the Spaniard got revenge against Zverev in the semifinals with a grueling 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 victory, overcoming cramping and battling back from 5-3 down in the fifth set to outlast the German after five hours and 27 minutes on court. Djokovic, who had reached the record-extending 38th Grand Slam final of his career in Melbourne this year—and who was going for a record-extending 25th major title, as well—congratulated Alcaraz right out of the gates during his speech at the on-court trophy ceremony.“What you've been doing, I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. “So congratulations, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.“I mean, you're so young, you have a lot of time, like myself,” he added. “I'm sure we'll see each other many more times in the next 10 years!”Likewise, Alcaraz started his speech by congratulating Djokovic. "Obviously, first of all, I just wanted to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation, for sure," the now-seven-time major winner said. Just putting the hard work every day with your team every tournament you go, and playing such great tennis, for me I just enjoy so much watching you playing. For me it's been an honor to share the locker, share the court and watching you play. “What you've been doing, I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. “So congratulations, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.“I mean, you're so young, you have a lot of time, like myself,” he added. “I'm sure we'll see each other many more times in the next 10 years!”Likewise, Alcaraz started his speech by congratulating Djokovic. "Obviously, first of all, I just wanted to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation, for sure," the now-seven-time major winner said. Just putting the hard work every day with your team every tournament you go, and playing such great tennis, for me I just enjoy so much watching you playing. For me it's been an honor to share the locker, share the court and watching you play. “I'm sure we'll see each other many more times in the next 10 years!”Likewise, Alcaraz started his speech by congratulating Djokovic. "Obviously, first of all, I just wanted to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation, for sure," the now-seven-time major winner said. Just putting the hard work every day with your team every tournament you go, and playing such great tennis, for me I just enjoy so much watching you playing. For me it's been an honor to share the locker, share the court and watching you play. Likewise, Alcaraz started his speech by congratulating Djokovic. "Obviously, first of all, I just wanted to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation, for sure," the now-seven-time major winner said. Just putting the hard work every day with your team every tournament you go, and playing such great tennis, for me I just enjoy so much watching you playing. For me it's been an honor to share the locker, share the court and watching you play. "Obviously, first of all, I just wanted to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation, for sure," the now-seven-time major winner said. Just putting the hard work every day with your team every tournament you go, and playing such great tennis, for me I just enjoy so much watching you playing. For me it's been an honor to share the locker, share the court and watching you play. A new reign down under 👑7x major champ at 22 👏🤯#AO26 pic.twitter.com/FhvsC9QYJB
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Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the championship match of the Australian Open on Sunday to extend his lead over his great rival Jannik Sinner in their Big Titles battle. The Spaniard kick-started his 2026 season by defeating record 10-time Melbourne champion Novak Djokovic for his maiden Australian Open crown. It is Alcaraz's 15th Big Title — a combination of Grand Slam championships, trophies at the Nitto ATP Finals and ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, and Olympic singles gold medals. Alcaraz now leads Sinner by four Big Titles as they quickly add to their totals. With his Melbourne victory, Alcaraz moved into joint seventh on the all-time list of Grand Slam men's singles titles won in the Open Era. The Spaniard moved clear of his fellow ATP No. 1 Club members Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg (six titles each) to level with John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Alcaraz has now won three more Grand Slam trophies than the Italian (7-4). Only Djokovic (3.3) and Rafael Nadal (3.5) have won the tournaments at a higher rate. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
Carlos Alcaraz forged a Melbourne milestone to secure tennis history on Sunday night at the Australian Open. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings overcame a shaky start to defeat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and claim his maiden title at the hard-court major in Melbourne. “Preseason was a little bit of a rollercoaster emotionally… [My team] was just pushing me to do the right things every day, so I have to say I'm really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.” You May Also Like: Carlos Alcaraz's Career Grand Slam: Daring tennis, defining triumph After an uncharacteristically flat opening set in which Djokovic came out firing, Alcaraz locked in from the baseline to take control of his first Australian Open final. The Spaniard broke his rival's serve twice en route to the second set and appeared back to his free-flowing best in a third set featuring several stunning all-court exchanges. But the 38-year-old was unable to counter and maintain his perfect championship-match record on Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz broke decisively in the 12th game of the fourth set to seal a three-hour, two-minute win and ensure Djokovic's wait for an all-time record 25th Grand Slam title goes on. So I'm sure we will be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.” You talk about me doing amazing things, but what you are doing is really inspiring, not just for tennis players but athletes around the world. Just putting in the right work every day with your team at every tournament you go to, and playing such great tennis… For me it is an honour to share the locker room and the court [with you], and watching you play. Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, capturing his first Australian Open title and his 7th Grand Slam 👑#AustralianOpen | #Alcaraz pic.twitter.com/3rH0InSC4C Read More From Melbourne Park: Alcaraz stretches Big Titles lead over Sinner with AO win Nadal, Safin, McEnroe among ATP No. 1 Club members at final Alcaraz vs Djokovic: The Rivalry Alcaraz is now a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, moving him level with his fellow ATP No. 1 Club member John McEnroe and Mats Wilander on the all-time list. “For me it's a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. It's such an honour playing in front of you. We had great battles on the court… Now seeing you watch my match, it's just a privilege.” Most Grand Slam Men's Singles Titles (Open Era) With Sunday's victory, Alcaraz levelled the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 5-5, and he has now won all three major title matches he has played against Djokovic. Appearing fresh despite his marathon five-set semi-final victory against 2024 and 2025 champion Jannik Sinner on Friday night, Djokovic pummelled the ball aggressively from the first game inside Rod Laver Arena. The 38-year-old, who was bidding to lift an all-time record 25th Grand Slam trophy and also become the oldest men's singles titlist at a major in the Open Era, barely put a foot wrong in a statement opening-set display. Although Alcaraz held his nerve to fend off the first two, Djokovic prevailed in an extended baseline rally on the third to gain an early advantage. Alcaraz himself contested the longest semi-final in tournament history on Friday against Alexander Zverev, and he did not show his typical high energy in the opening set. Djokovic expertly capitalised on his momentum by breaking his opponent's serve again in the eighth game to clinch a set in which he dropped just two points behind serve, according to Infosys Stats. Showing no signs of fatigue from his semi-final exertions against Zverev, the Spaniard relentlessly hared around the court to repel much of what Djokovic threw at him. The crowd was on its feet after Alcaraz won an electric first point of the fourth game, during which he barely believably returned a Djokovic around-the-net shot, and the top seed went on to win five in six games to move within a set of victory. He fended off six break points to hold serve in a marathon second game of the fourth set to the delight of his raucous fans, but he was unable to deny Alcaraz at 5-6. Djokovic fired a forehand long on Alcaraz's first match point to send the Spaniard tumbling to the ground with joy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
1 Club in attendance on the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday to watch the historic Australian Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Safin, a champion in Melbourne in 2005, presented the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup ahead of the men's singles final before he took his seat. Jim Courier, McEnroe and Mats Wilander have all been on commentary duty during the major and were in attendance for Sunday's championship showdown. 1 Club members Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter were at Melbourne Park, taking part in a fun doubles exhibition on opening ceremony night. 1 Club members, Alcaraz and Djokovic, have put on a show through the opening three sets. Click here to learn more about the ATP No. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! We'll send you newsletters keeping you informed about news, tournaments, competitions, ticketing, partner offers and more. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
The draw in southern France also includes Stan Wawrinka, competing in the final year of his career, and Top 30 stars Flavio Cobolli, Tallon Griekspoor and Tomas Machac. Meanwhile home favourite Arthur Fils makes his return to competitive action for the first time since last July. ATPTour.com looks at five things to watch this week. 8 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Auger-Aliassime will aim to bounce back quickly after being forced to retire from his first-round match at the Australian Open due to cramp. The 25-year-old has plenty to be confident about in Montpellier: he is the defending champion there, and he has won seven of his eight ATP Tour crowns indoors. Auger-Aliassime's opening opponent in France will be Wawrinka or Hamad Medjedovic. 2) Fils returns after six months out: Home fans will welcome back one of France's top stars in Montpellier, where Arthur Fils will make his return to ATP Tour action after six months out due to a back injury. He takes on countryman Valentin Royer in the first round. The 21-year-old Fils reached the semi-finals on his only previous appearance in Montpellier in 2023, before he fell to eventual champion Jannik Sinner. 3 Wawrinka now heads to Montpellier, where he will compete as a wild card and takes on Serbia's Medjedovic first up. Hubert Hurkacz, another former Top 10 star who went 4-1 in singles play to help Poland lift the United Cup, starts against a qualifier. You May Also Like: Why Stan Wawrinka's last dance will be more salsa than slow waltz Fourth seed Tomas Machac chases his second ATP 250 crown of the season after he triumphed in Adelaide in mid-January. Their rivals in the doubles draw include second seeds Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner, while Wawrinka teams with big-serving home favourite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..