The World number 1 overcame 10-time AO champion Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to secure his maiden AO crown and etch his name onto the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for the first time. The previous youngest career Grand Slam record holder was Don Budge, who achieved the feat in 1938, days before the American’s 23rd birthday. 

Alcaraz, 22, is also the youngest man in the Open Era to own seven Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing Björn Borg’s achievement at the age of 23.

After the match, Alcaraz was hesitant to commit himself to a Grand Slam sweep in 2026. “It’s going to be a big challenge,” Alcaraz said. “Those are big words, to be honest. I just want it to be one at a time. Right now, the next one is the French Open, and I have great memories of that tournament. I feel really special every time that I go there.

AO winner Carlos Alcaraz and runner-up Novak Djokovic. Photo: X/Australian Open

“I don’t want to put myself in a really pressure position to have to do it, but it’s going to be great. Right now, I’ll try to be ready, to work hard, to just recover and practice well to play a good tournament in the next Grand Slam."

Alcaraz also paid his respects to Djokovic during the trophy presentation. “I enjoy it so much watching you play; for me, it’s been an honour sharing the locker, sharing the court,” Alcaraz told him.

“Thank you very much for what you’re doing, because as I said, this is really inspiring.”

‘The best word to describe it is historic, legendary’

The Serbian was equally complimentary towards the younger man’s achievement.

“Congratulations, Carlos, an amazing tournament … what you’ve been doing is, I think, the best word to describe it is historic, legendary,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic held a 5-4 advantage over Alcaraz leading into the 10th instalment of their rivalry, which boasts a 16-year age gap, the second widest in Open Era major men’s singles finals.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cvs