(February 1, 2026) Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam on Sunday night when the 22-year-old Spaniard defeated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic 2-5, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win his first Australian Open title. The world No. 1 is just the ninth man to collect a career Grand Slam. It’s the Spaniard’s overall seventh major title.
Before this final, the 38 Djokovic had never lost in 10 previous Australian Open finals.
Alcaraz began the new year ending his partnership with his coach of of seven years, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“I think nobody knows how hard I have been working to get this trophy. I chased this moment so much,” said Alcaraz, “Preseason was a little bit of a rollercoaster emotionally… [My team] was just pushing me to do the right things every day, so I have to say I’m really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.”
“Just happy to prove all the people were wrong,” he said to media.
“A lot of people were talking about everything and having doubts about my level in this tournament.”
“Congratulations Carlos. An amazing tournament, an amazing couple of weeks. To your coach, to your family, to your team. What you have been doing, I think the best words to describe it are historic, legendary,” said Djokovic, before adding: “So congratulations and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the career. You are so young, you have a lot of time like myself. So I’m sure we will be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.”
“I want to speak to the legendary Rafa (Nadal), who is on the stands,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here, you know?
“But thank you for being present. It’s too many Spanish legends… It felt like it was two against one tonight, you know, it wasn’t fair, but OK.”
Alcaraz said during the trophy presentation: “I want to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about me doing amazing things, but what you are doing is really inspiring, not just for tennis players but athletes around the world. Just putting in the right work every day with your team at every tournament you go to, and playing such great tennis… For me it is an honour to share the locker room and the court [with you], and watching you play. Thank you very much for what you are doing.”
“For me it’s a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. I think it’s the first time [he has watched me play] professionally, if I’m not wrong,” said Alcaraz. “I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old, so it’s been a long time. It’s such an honor playing in front of you. We had great battles on the court… Now seeing you watch my match, it’s just a privilege.”
As he left the court, he signed the lens of the TV camera with this: “Job finished. 4/4 Complete.”
Alcaraz said it was a privilege: “I know you were watching me when I was like 15, 14 years old, so it’s been a long time. But, yeah, for me, it’s such an honor playing in front of you.”
“It’s going to be a big challenge. I just want it to be one at a time. Right now next one is French Open. I have great memories in that tournament. I feel really special every time that I go there,” he said.
“So I don’t want to put myself in a really pressure position to have to do it, but it’s going to be great.”
