Carlos Alcaraz Garfia produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Novak Djokovic and win his first Australian Open men’s singles title on Sunday, becoming the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam.
The 22-year-old Spanish world number one collapsed to the court in celebration after sealing a 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5 victory on Rod Laver Arena, denying Djokovic a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, 38, dominated the opening set, using his experience and precision to take it 6–2 while dropping just two points on serve. Momentum, however, shifted dramatically as Alcaraz found his rhythm from the baseline, raising his intensity and steadily overpowering the Serb fourth seed.
Alcaraz levelled the match with a commanding 6–2 second set before producing his best tennis in the third, breaking serve twice to claim it 6–3. Despite showing signs of fatigue, Djokovic fought hard in the fourth set, saving six break points in the second game. But serving at 5–6, the Serb faltered, double-faulting to hand Alcaraz two championship points before sending a forehand long.
The victory earned Alcaraz the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and made him the youngest male player in the Open Era — at 22 years and 272 days — to win all four major titles: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. He broke the 88-year-old record previously held by Don Budge (22 years, 363 days).
Alcaraz also became only the ninth man to complete a career Grand Slam, joining Fred Perry (1935), Don Budge (1938), Roy Emerson (1964), Rod Laver (1962), Andre Agassi (1999), Roger Federer (2009), Rafael Nadal (2010) and Novak Djokovic (2016).
The triumph marked Alcaraz’s seventh Grand Slam title, making him the first men’s player under 23 to reach that milestone — a feat Djokovic did not achieve until the age of 27. It also levelled their head-to-head rivalry at 5–5.
“I think nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy to taste this moment,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony.
“Pre-season was a bit rough emotionally. We went through, not hearing what the people were saying, and did the right work.
“You were pushing me to do the right work, really grateful for everyone in that corner, this trophy is yours.”
For Djokovic, the defeat extends his wait for a 25th Grand Slam title, having been tied with Australia’s Margaret Court since winning the 2023 US Open. While he showed in his semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner that he remains a formidable force, Djokovic admitted uncertainty about his future at a tournament he has won a record 10 times.
“Thank you very much, first and foremost to Carlos. Amazing tournament and two weeks, to your family, team, what you are doing is historic,” Djokovic said.
“I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career… You’re so young, you’ll have a lot of time, like me. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other for another ten years.”
Striking a more emotional tone, Djokovic added: “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in 6 months or 12 months, so… It has been a great ride. I love you guys.”
Watched by Rafael Nadal from the stands, the final capped a historic night for men’s tennis. Alcaraz’s breakthrough in Melbourne means he and Italy’s Jannik Sinner have now shared nine consecutive Grand Slam titles, underscoring their dominance in the sport’s new era.
