MELBOURNE/STARNBERG, February 1, 2026
Carlos Alcaraz has captured his first title at the Australian Open in Melbourne to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam in the Open era. The 22-year-old Spaniard defeated fourth-seeded Serbian and ten-time AO champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in Sunday’s singles final.
On a packed Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz overcame a slow start, struck nine aces and won 77 per cent of his first-service points. The World No. 1 broke Djokovic’s serve five times to secure victory in three hours and three minutes.
History
Career slam complete, take a bow @carlosalcaraz @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/pd7ye35TTq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026
With his triumph down under and now being a seven-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz earned $4,150,000 in prize money as well as 2,000 ATP Ranking points. The Murcia native won the French Open at Roland Garros and the US Open last year and has twice won The Championships at Wimbledon.
“Wow. First of all, I want to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation for sure,” Alcaraz said during the on-court ceremony.
“You’re talking about how I’m doing amazing things, but what you’re doing is inspiring. Not only for tennis players, but athletes around the world. Putting the right hard work in every day.
“I enjoy watching you play so much. It’s been an honour to share the locker room with you and share the court with you. Thank you.”
Djokovic was bidding to set a new standalone record of 25 major singles titles.
“Congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe it is: historic,” Djokovic said.
“You are young like me and I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many times over the next 10 years…NOT!,” he joked.
“I had a winning speech prepared and a losing speech. But I want to keep it short, this is Carlos’ moment.
“This much love and support this year I have never experienced in Australia. I tried to give you it back with good tennis over the years.”
56,931 spectators attended the final day. The organizers of the Australian Open announced a new attendance record of 1,368,043 spectators throughout the tournament.
