Alcaraz and Djokovic also competed on the microphone. The speeches of the two kept the fans in awe. “I've been through a lot/It wasn't easy at all”
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in a high-intensity final at the 2026 Australian Open, winning in four sets, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Sunday's victory gave the Spaniard his first title in Melbourne and a historic performance.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic Photo/BBC
At just 22, Carlos became the youngest player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments. The success on Rod Laver Arena was all the more special as Alcaraz reached the seventh major trophy of his career, in an electrifying setting, on the same ground where, a year ago, he had been eliminated by Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
“I think no one knows how hard I worked to get to hold this trophy in my hands and live this moment. The preparation period was difficult from an emotional point of view, we went through a lot, tried not to pay attention to what was said around and work. You have pushed me to work hard and I am extremely grateful to all of you in that corner. This trophy is yours too!“said Alcaraz at the award ceremony.
The record set by Don Budge in 1938, when he became the youngest winner of the Career Grand Slam just before age 23, has stood for nearly 88 years. Carlos Alcaraz's performance is likely to last just as long.
For Novak Djokovic, the failure was an unpleasant debut
It is the first final lost by the Serbian at the Australian Open, after ten previous wins in Melbourne. Even so, his run remains remarkable, especially in the context of his victory in the semi-finals against Jannik Sinner, the champion of the 2024 and 2025 editions. The evolution from this tournament has returned Djokovic to world No. 3, ahead of Alexander Zverev.
“Thank you very much. First of all, congratulations on an amazing tournament Carlos, congratulations to you, your coaches, your family. What you do is legendary, historic. I wish you success in your career, you are very young, you have a lot of time ahead of you. I hope to see you many more times on the field in the next 10 years. Just kidding!
I also have to thank my team for putting up with me and giving me the support I need. It wasn't easy, it never was, you see my best and worst, and my triumph is yours too. I had a speech prepared in case I won, but I don't want to linger, it's Carlos' time.
“I didn't think I'd be at the final ceremony again!”
Thank you for what you have given me in the last few games, love, support, positivity, I have never experienced that here in Australia. I've tried to repay you with my tennis over the years, it's been my 21st year here, I always believe in myself and I think it's necessary when you play at this level, against players like Jannik and Carlos.
I have to be honest, I didn't think I'd be at the finals ceremony again, and thank you for pushing me from behind over the last few weeks. God knows what will happen tomorrow, a week from now or 6 months from now. It was great, thank you!“said Novak Djokovic, after the match.
