Carlos Alcaraz joins Rafael Nadal in this incredible record against Novak Djokovic
(Courtesy : @AustralianOpen/Twitter)
Carlos Alcaraz prevailed against Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open 2026 final.
Carlos Alcaraz’s sensational Australian Open 2026 title victory has etched his name deeper into tennis history, not just for completing the career Grand Slam at a record-young age, but for joining Rafael Nadal in a rare feat against Novak Djokovic.
The 22-year-old Spaniard defeated the Serbian legend 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Rod Laver Arena final on February 1, claiming his maiden Australian Open title and seventh major overall. In doing so, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to win all four Slams, surpassing Nadal’s previous mark.
Djokovic entered the match with an impeccable 10-0 record in Australian Open finals and a career Grand Slam finals tally of 24-14 (now 24-15), having lost title clashes to just six players historically. Nadal holds the edge with five victories over Djokovic in major finals, including three at Roland Garros and two at US Open.
Alcaraz now ranks second only to Rafael Nadal for most wins over Djokovic in Grand Slam finals
Alcaraz and Djokovic’s rivalry began at Wimbledon 2023, where Alcaraz saved a set point in the second set to win a five-set thriller 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 for his first Wimbledon crown. He followed with a dominant straight-sets defense in the 2024 Wimbledon final, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4).
The Australian Open 2026 clash marked their third major final meeting. Djokovic raced to the first set in just 33 minutes, but Alcaraz regrouped masterfully, breaking five times across the next three sets.
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He saved a crucial break point at 4-4 in the fourth before sealing the victory with a late break, enduring three hours and two minutes of intense baseline warfare.
This 3-0 record in major finals against Djokovic underscores Alcaraz’s composure under pressure and explosive all-court game. As the World No. 1, he has now bested the GOAT in three straight title matches on the biggest stage, a milestone bettered only by Nadal in tennis history.
Alcaraz’s achievement adds another layer to his meteoric rise, cementing him as Djokovic’s most consistent nemesis in recent Grand Slam deciders. With the French Open looming, one wonders if the young Spaniard can extend the streak or if the Serb will strike back.
Who won the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles title?
Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles title, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.
What record did Carlos Alcaraz make with this win?
With this victory, Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam and became the youngest man in the Open Era to win all four major titles, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s previous record.
How many Grand Slam finals has Alcaraz won against Novak Djokovic?
Alcaraz now holds a 3–0 record against Djokovic in Grand Slam finals. Their previous major final meetings came at Wimbledon Championships in 2023 and 2024, both won by the Spaniard.
What was Novak Djokovic’s record in Australian Open finals before this loss?
Before the 2026 final, Djokovic had a perfect 10–0 record in Australian Open finals. This defeat marked his first loss in a title match at the tournament.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.