Five records created by Novak Djokovic after his 2026 Australian Open campaign
Despite not winning the trophy, Djokovic shattered numerous records in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic’s bid to claim an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles crown came to a dramatic close on Sunday night, as Carlos Alcaraz defeated the 38-year-old Serbian legend 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the men’s singles final at Rod Laver Arena.
Entering the tournament as the fourth seed and a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, Djokovic carried the weight of history and the burden of age into what many viewed as his strongest remaining opportunity to surpass Margaret Court’s all-time major record. The Serbian star had dominated the Australian Open like no other, boasting an impeccable 10-0 mark in finals.
Djokovic’s run began smoothly. He dispatched early opponents with efficiency, and luck played a role in the middle stages: a walkover from Jakub Mensik in the fourth round and a retirement from Lorenzo Musetti (who led by two sets) in the quarterfinals preserved his energy.
The semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner proved the campaign’s defining moment. In a five-set epic under the lights, Djokovic staged a stunning comeback to end Sinner’s reign and reach his 11th Australian Open final.
The victory was hailed as legendary, a defiant reminder of his greatness and a snap of a recent losing streak against the Italian.
The final against world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz delivered a clash of eras. Djokovic dominated the opening set 6-2, showcasing vintage precision and control. But Alcaraz, 22, and brimming with explosive talent, rallied fiercely. He leveled the match by taking the second set 6-2, then seized control with a 6-3 third.
Also Read: How many matches has Novak Djokovic won at each Grand Slam?
In a tense fourth set, Alcaraz broke late to close it 7-5 after roughly three hours, denying Djokovic his 25th major and inflicting the Serbian’s first-ever loss in an Australian Open final.
Despite the defeat, Djokovic’s 2026 campaign reinforced his enduring elite status. He climbed to No. 3 in the live rankings, pushed his career prize money beyond $191 million, and departed Melbourne having reached semi-finals or better in six of his last seven majors.
Five records created by Novak Djokovic at 2026 Australian Open
Oldest men’s singles finalist at Australian Open in Open Era
In a remarkable display of longevity and enduring excellence, Novak Djokovic became the oldest men’s singles finalist in Australian Open history during the Open Era when he reached the 2026 final at 38 years and 255 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Ken Rosewall, who was 37 years and 54 days in 1972.
This milestone came after Djokovic staged a dramatic five-set semi-final comeback against defending champion Sinner, defying age-related doubts and cementing his status as one of tennis’s greatest competitors even as he approached his late 30s.
While he ultimately fell to a surging Alcaraz in the final, Djokovic’s achievement highlighted his extraordinary physical resilience and mental fortitude.
Also Read: Three records created by Carlos Alcaraz with his 2026 Australian Open triumph
Most quarter-final appearances at Australian Open
Djokovic etched another remarkable milestone into Australian Open history during his 2026 campaign by reaching his 16th men’s singles quarter-final at the tournament, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous Open Era record of 15.
This achievement, confirmed as Djokovic advanced past the round of 16 (with a walkover in the fourth round contributing to his path), underscored his unparalleled consistency and dominance at Melbourne Park across more than two decades.
First player to register 400 match-wins in Grand Slams
Djokovic became the first-ever to record 400 match wins at Grand Slam tournaments. The milestone came at the Australian Open with a straight sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, taking Djokovic’s major record to an extraordinary 400–55.
A 10-time Australian Open champion and winner of a record 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has consistently turned major stages into his personal domain. Reaching 400 Slam wins is not just a number, but a reflection of sustained excellence, physical resilience, and competitive hunger at the biggest stage.
Became the player with most match-wins at Australian Open
Djokovic solidified his status as the most successful player in Australian Open history by becoming the all-time leader in men’s singles match wins at the tournament during his 2026 campaign, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous Open Era record of 102 victories.
Djokovic first equaled Federer’s mark with 102 wins early in the tournament, then broke it by reaching 103 after advancing past the quarter-finals (notably following his quarter-final retirement win over Lorenzo Musetti) and ultimately extended it to 104 with his semifinal triumph over Sinner before the final loss to Alcaraz.
Also Read: List of players with 100 or more match wins at Grand Slam events
Hence with 10 titles, the most at Rod Laver Arena, and 104 match victories, Djokovic is the greatest ever to have played in the iconic courts of Melbourne.
Became the player with most Grand Slam appearances
Djokovic equalled Roger Federer and Feliciano López for the most Grand Slam main draw appearances among male players in the Open Era upon entering the 2026 Australian Open, reaching a total of 81 majors since his debut in 2005.
The Serbian star has demonstrated remarkable consistency and durability, missing only three Grand Slam tournaments in his career, the 2017 and 2022 US Opens, and the 2022 Australian Open.
How did Novak Djokovic perform at Australian Open 2026?
Djokovic finished runners-up at the 2026 Australian Open, losing the title match to first-time winner Carlos Alcaraz despite winning the first set. This was Djokovic first final defeat in the tournament.
What records did Novak Djokovic set at 2026 Australian Open?
By reaching the final, Djokovic became the oldest man to reach the Australian Open final. He also became the first player to register 400 or more match wins at Grand Slam when he reached the third round.
When will Novak Djokovic be in action next?
Djokovic is expected to return to tennis action later this month at the Doha Masters, starting February 16.
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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.