Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. At 22 years and 272 days, the Spaniard broke the 88-year-old record that had stood since Don Budge achieved the feat in 1938.
Alcaraz wins 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to claim his first Australian Open titlethus ending Djokovic’s perfect record in the Melbourne Park final. The Serb had won all 10 of his previous Australian Open finals and was chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The final began with Djokovic in control as he took the opening set 6-2 and dictated play with authority. Alcaraz responded from the baseline with more depth and intensity, leveling the match in the second set before pulling ahead. He held firm in the closing stages to seal victory in four sets.
Carlos Alcaraz completed the set of all four major titles with the victory. He has already won the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, winning each of those tournaments twice before adding the Australian Open to his collection.
Australian Open final, Djokovic vs Alcaraz: Highlights
Alcaraz eclipsed Don Budge, who was 22 years and 363 days old when he completed his career Grand Slam at the French Championships in 1938. Budge later won the calendar Grand Slam at the age of 23 years and three months, a feat matched only by Rod Laver in men’s tennis.
YOUNGEST MEN TO COMPLETE CAREER GRAND SLAM
Carlos Alcaraz, 22 years, 272 days, Australian Open
Don Budge, 22 years, 363 days, French Championship 1938
Rafael Nadal, 24 years, 101 days, US Open 2010
Rod Laver, 24 years, 32 days, US Open 1962
Fred Perry, 26 years, 15 days, 1935 French Championship
Roy Emerson, 27 years, 243 days, Wimbledon 1964
Roger Federer, 27 years, 303 days, French Open 2009
Novak Djokovic, 29 years, 14 days, Roland Garros 2016
Andre Agassi, 29 years, 38 days, Roland Garros 1999
The match lasted just over three hours and both players claimed five-set semi-final wins. Alcaraz consistently won difficult balls and applied sustained pressure, converting five of the 16 break points he earned. Djokovic converted two of his six chances.
After the match point, Alcaraz fell onto the court and shook hands with Djokovic at the net. The two exchanged words, with Djokovic congratulating the new champion, who then celebrated with his coaches and family in the stands.
From Open Era’s point of view, the achievement is even more significant. Since 1968, no man has completed a career Grand Slam at a younger age than Alcaraz. The previous record was held by Rafael Nadal, who achieved it at 24 years and 101 days when he won the US Open in 2010.
YOUNGEST CAREER GRAND SLAM WINNERS (OPEN ERA)
Carlos Alcaraz – 22 years, 272 days (Australian Open 2026)
Rafael Nadal – 24 years, 101 days (US Open 2010)
Roger Federer – 27 years, 303 days (French Open 2009)
Novak Djokovic – 29 years, 14 days (French Open 2016)
Andre Agassi – 29 years, 38 days (French Open 1999)
Rod Laver – 31 years, 32 days (US Championships 1969)
Defeat means Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title has once again been halted, with Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner stopping him in nine majors. For Alcaraz, the Australian Open title increased to seven Grand Slams and completed a historic milestone at the age of 22.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 1, 2026
