Under the Melbourne night sky, Carlos Alcaraz turned his childhood dream into history, lifting his first Australian Open title and completing a career Grand Slam. Novak Djokovic entered the final with fire in his veins. It came to light a few days ago at the press conference after his lucky escape against Lorenzo Musetti when the question hit a nerve.
Djokovic felt disrespected – and history has shown that an injured Djokovic is dangerous. Driven by that edge produced a five-set masterclass to dethrone Jannik Sinnerreminding the world why he has ruled Melbourne Park for over a decade.
Watching the semifinals unfold, Alcaraz knew exactly what to expect Sunday night. He knew the mountain. He knew the storm. And yet, when it mattered most, it was the young Spaniard who stood tall, winning the final 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5 in three hours and two minutes.
On Sunday, Alcaraz had the last laugh. He absorbed the early blows, settled down and then turned the match on its head to defeat Djokovic and lift the one title that had haunted him since childhood.
After his gutsy victory over Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz spoke of the power of self-belief – believing in yourself even when defeat was inevitable. This faith carried him through to the final. After dropping the opening set, he roared with fearless aggression and clarity that even Djokovic could not withstand. For the first time in his legendary career, Djokovic tasted defeat in the Australian Open final.
Australian Open Final, Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Highlights
With the victory, Alcaraz made history. At just 22, he surpassed Rafael Nadal to become the youngest man to ever complete a career Grand Slam. Across the net, Djokovic was chasing another milestone – a chance to become the oldest Grand Slam champion – but the years, rallies and relentless pace eventually caught up with him. Alcaraz simply ran out of breath.
All eyes were on the final after both men survived a brutal five-set semi-final. Djokovic struck first, as did the champions. But once Alcaraz sensed the vulnerability, he never looked back. He closed the door and claimed his seventh Grand Slam title, announcing himself not as the future but as the present.
For Djokovic, the wait for the historic 25th major continues. Since his last slam at the 2023 US Open, the battle has been as much with his body as with his opponents. This night, however, was not about decline – it was about the rise of a new king.
DJOKOVIC A STORM IS WAITING
Djokovic asserted his authority early, producing a near-flawless first set and letting Carlos Alcaraz chase the match. The Serb landed the decisive blow by breaking serve to move ahead 3-1 and never conceded from that point on. Djokovic’s serve was the highlight of the set, winning a remarkable 93 percent of his first serve points and repeatedly denying Alcaraz any rhythm on the return.
From the baseline, Djokovic was clinical and in control. He absorbed Alcaraz’s early aggression and redirected the tempo with depth and precision, forcing the Spaniard to play an extra shot in almost every rally. While Alcaraz was able to hit 10 game-winning points, his nine unforced errors proved costly, often coming at crucial moments when he was looking to seize momentum. In contrast, Djokovic kept his number of errors low and consistently found the lines, especially from the forehand wing.
The Rod Laver Arena watched as Djokovic mixed power with patience, using strong serves to dictate play and methodically setting up points rather than rushing for clear winners. Alcaraz looked to reset after an early break and Djokovic took full advantage, closing out the first set with authority and sending a clear message. he was in complete control.
ALCARAZ STORMS BACK
Alcaraz’s response in the second set was swift, merciless and unmistakably champion-like. After dropping the opener, the Spaniard recalibrated with remarkable clarity and sensed an opening as Novak Djokovic’s first-serve percentage dropped to 58 percent. This shift proved decisive.
Closing the roof mid-match added to the intrigue. As rain approached Rod Laver Arena, officials decided to close it, briefly interrupting the flow. Alcaraz seemed flustered at first, but the interruption ended up sharpening his focus rather than derailing it.
Both players were holding serve early, but the tempo was already swinging. Alcaraz started slapping his forehand flatter and deeper, pinning Djokovic behind the baseline and swinging it from corner to corner. The pressure was building rapidly. Djokovic’s timing wavered, forehands began to drag and unforced errors crept in – 11 in the set – as Alcaraz found his range.
The breakthrough came early. Alcaraz pounced on Djokovic’s vulnerable second serve and ripped returns with a pace and depth that the Serb struggled to control. Rod Laver’s arena erupted as the Spaniard secured a breakthrough, his body language raising belief and his camp rising to their feet.
What is significant is that Alcaraz consolidated. He served with authority and fed on chants of “Vamos!” and increasingly accurate. Djokovic tried to break the rhythm with nets and drop shots, but the pattern was reversed. With nine winners and relentless intensity, Alcaraz took the set, restored parity and took control of the final.
ALCARAZ COMING trumps
Alcaraz seamlessly carried his momentum into the third set, continuing to impose himself with pace, movement and relentless pressure. Djokovic showed brief resistance early on, showing a love hold and a big first serve that initially kept Alcaraz at bay. But the physical toll of Djokovic’s marathon semi-final against Sinner soon showed as the broadcaster picked up signs of fatigue creeping into his movement.
With the set tied at 2–2, the balance tipped decisively in Alcaraz’s favor. The Spaniard began to wear Djokovic on rallies, forcing him to hit one extra shot time and time again. The pressure in the fifth game, when Alcaraz broke serve, ignited Rod Laver Arena and signaled a shift that seemed inevitable.
Alcaraz united with authority, firing serves wide and punishing short returns with intent and precision. Djokovic fought hard, saving himself with clutch serves and flashes of brilliance, but his unforced errors piled up – 14 in the set – despite hitting 11 match points. In the end, Alcaraz’s speed and intensity proved overwhelming as he closed out the set and tightened his grip on the final.
Alcaraz had the last laugh in a pulsating fourth set and showed steely nerves to close out the final against Djokovic. For the first time since the opening set, Djokovic looked dominant, serving with authority and defending with determination as he tried to claw his way back into the match.
The Serb turned up the intensity, producing deep returns and signature backhands that unsettled Alcaraz and roused the packed house. But Alcaraz absorbed the pressure superbly, holding firm in tight service games with deft slices, perfectly disguised drop shots and timely aces.
At 5-4, even as Djokovic forced a tie and pushed for a tie-break, Alcaraz remained level. One free backhand from Djokovic proved decisive, sealing a dramatic finish and crowning Alcaraz the champion.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 1, 2026
