Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam after capturing the Australian Open 2026 title on Feb. 1, ending Novak Djokovic's perfect record in Melbourne Park finals. The world no. 1 Spaniard overcame a slow start to defeat the 10-time champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Serbia's Djokovic, chasing an unprecedented 25th major crown, came out firing and took the opening set, but Alcaraz responded with relentless defense, electric court coverage and sustained pressure against his 38-year-old rival.
The 22-year-old Spaniard's retrieval skills repeatedly turned Djokovic's near-certain winners into extended rallies. When the final point was done, Alcaraz dropped his racket, collapsed onto his back and pressed his hands to his head in disbelief before greeting Djokovic at the net.
The Serbian star smiled as he congratulated him showing his sportsmanship despite a surely agonising defeat. Alcaraz then sprinted to celebrate with his coaches and later embraced his father and team in the stands.
Both players had survived draining five-set semifinals, yet produced a physically brutal contest lasting just over three hours. Alcaraz converted five of his 16 break‑point chances, while Djokovic managed two from six.
Djokovic's path to a record-breaking 25th major has now been halted by Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner in nine consecutive Grand Slams. After beating Sinner in the semifinals, Djokovic was hoping to become the oldest Australian Open champion in the Open era.
At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz surpassed Don Budge — who completed his career Slam at 22 years and 363 days at the 1938 French Championships — as the youngest man to win all four major titles.
The Melbourne triumph gives Alcaraz his seventh Grand Slam trophy and his first Australian Open crown, adding to two titles each at Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open.
Djokovic was the last men's player to complete a career slam when he won four Grand Slam finals in-a-row from the 2015 Wimbledon title to the 2016 French Open championship.
Comprehensive Budget 2026 coverage, LIVE TV analysis, Stock Market and Industry reactions, Income Tax changes and Latest News on NDTV Profit.
