Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to make history in the Australian Open final as he became the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at the age of 22.
The world No 1 eclipsed Don Budge’s 1938 record by completing the set of four grand slam titles in record time, and now has seven overall after adding his first Australian Open crown to doubles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
In doing so, Alcaraz denied Djokovic a major milestone in a historic final. The Serbian was aiming for the standalone grand slam singles title record of 25, and to become the oldest grand slam winner of all time at 38, and made a flying start by winning the opening set.
But Alcaraz overturned Djokovic’s quick start, finding his level. In the third set, he produced a moment of magic as he broke Djokovic to lead and then moved a set away. As Djokovic rallied in the fourth, Alcaraz withstood the fight back as the match ticked in a third hour.
Alcaraz fell onto his back as Djokovic’s forehand flew long on the first championship point. With his 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory, he joins the illustrious list of Don Budge, Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic to win all four major titles, doing so faster than anyone else.
Follow live updates from the Australian Open final, below
Novak Djokovic: ‘First set one of the best I have played in years’
“You saw it. The first set was one of the best sets I’ve played the last couple years. Then, I kind of regained my energy back and momentum in mid-fourth. Asked the crowd to get involved. They did.
“It was just a bad miss at 4-4 and break point. I had a good look at that forehand. My forehand broke down in important moments.
“One or two shots can change the momentum of the match and switch things around, which happened. I’m just very disappointed I wasn’t able to maintain that kind of feeling that I had in the first set.
“There are a lot of what-if scenarios in my head, and yeah, I guess it is what it is. You have to just accept it as it is.”
Novak Djokovic reacts to Australian Open final defeat
“It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik [Sinner]in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets,” Djokovic says when asked about whether this tournament has fuelled his belief that he can still win grand slams.
” I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start. I felt great about myself and then things changed.
“It is what it is. That’s sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make an assessment of what happened last couple of weeks, it’s incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship.
“Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.”
Carlos Alcaraz races to seventh grand slam title faster than anyone
How many grand slam titles is Alcaraz going to end up with then? He has reached seven faster than anyone.
Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, 2026 Australian Open
Bjorn Borg: 23 years 4 days, 1979 Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal: 24 years 3 days, 2010 Roland Garros
Mats Wilander: 24 years 21 days, 1988 US Open
Pete Sampras: 24 years 29 days, 1995 US Open
Roger Federer: 24 years 174 days, 2006 Australian Open
Rene Lacoste: 24 years 336 days, 1929 French Championships
How Carlos Alcaraz ranks in list of men to complete career grand slam
Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, completed at 2026 Australian Open
Don Budge: 22 years 363 days, completed at 1938 French Championships
Rod Laver: 24 years 32 days, completed at 1962 US National Championships
Rafael Nadal: 24 years 102 days, completed at2010 US Open
Fred Perry: 26 years 15 days, completed at 1935 French Championships
Roy Emerson: 27 years 244 days, completed at 1964 Wimbledon Championships
Roger Federer: 27 years 303 days, completed at 2009 Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic: 29 years 15 day, completed at 2016 Roland Garros
Andre Agassi: 29 years 68 days, completed at 1999 Roland Garros
Report: Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career grand slam
After the electric comebacks, the magical shot-making, and the passion, belief and smile that had defined his remarkable ascent, this was the moment where Carlos Alcaraz took the step from generational talent to standing alone in the pantheon of the greatest tennis players of all time.
As Novak Djokovic sensed his opportunity to make history, Alcaraz wrote his own: by winning his first Australian Open title, overturning Djokovic to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 and under enormous pressure, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at 22 years and 272 days.
Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion
“Job finished. 4/4 completed,” Alcaraz writes on the camera lens, with the customary smiley face.
Tennis completed at the age of 22. Ludicrous.
Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion
Novak Djokovic drops retirement hint
Is this the beginning of the farewell tour for Djokovic? His words in that trophy presentation felt telling.
“I always believe in myself, and it’s truly needed and necessary when you’re playing at this level against incredible players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
“But I must be honest and say I did not think I would be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or twelve months, but it’s been a great ride. I love you all.”
Novak Djokovic gracious in defeat
After some years of not quite having the Australian crowd on his side, Djokovic clearly appreciates having them there for him today.
“Congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe it is: historic.
“It’s legendary, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.
“You are young like me and I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many times over the next 10 years…NOT!” he says, to laughter.
Carlos Alcaraz gives his speech
Alcaraz thanks Nadal too, suggesting it’s the first time the legendary Spaniard has watched him play as a professional, rather than a junior.
He thanks the tournament organisers, everyone that makes this tournament what it is, and ends with “I can’t wait to come back here next year.”
