Rishabh Pant names his favourite for Australian Open 2026 crown
Novak Djokovic will battle for a historic 25th Grand Slam title against Carlos Alcaraz.
The stage is set for a blockbuster men’s singles final at the Australian Open 2026, pitting tennis legend Novak Djokovic against young phenom Carlos Alcaraz on February 1 at Rod Laver Arena. And, like everyone else, the Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant has picked his favourite.
After a grueling tournament that ran from January 12 to February 1, the two top contenders emerged victorious in thrilling semifinals, promising a clash that could redefine records and legacies.
Djokovic, the 10-time Australian Open winner, overcame defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic, winning 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. This victory propels him toward an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title, and a historic 25th Grand Slam overall
On the line for Djokovic is not just hardware but redemption after a two-year drought at this venue, where he’s historically dominated with a 104-10 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, top-seeded Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard, dispatched Alexander Zverev in another five-setter, 6-3, 7-6(7-4), 4-6, 6-7(3-7), 6-4.
Victory here would complete Alcaraz’s career Grand Slam, making him the youngest man in the Open Era to achieve the feat, having already claimed French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open crowns.
Adding to the buzz, Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant weighed in on the tournament by naming Novak Djokovic as his favourite to clinch the title. Earlier, he had written on Instagram, “The hype is with Sinner, yet Novak’s experience and court intelligence could tilt the balance,” ahead of the semi-finals.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head record, last five meetings
Having been proven right, Pant once again took to X, expressing how much he enjoyed watching Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, but maintained that it would be Djokovic who would get over the line.
“With the level of tennis we have seen in this year AO, this final feels special. I enjoy watching both Alcaraz and Novak, but I feel Novak might take this one home and make history by getting past both Sinner and Alcaraz to clinch the trophy.”
Previously, Pant has expressed admiration for Nick Kyrgios, drawing parallels between their playing styles and personalities. During Wimbledon 2025 in July, while attending as a spectator, Pant told reporters that Kyrgios matches his own “cheeky” and entertaining approach on the field.
He said, “Nick has the same charisma as me. I love watching him play,” and described Kyrgios as “one guy I really used to enjoy watching.”
Who will play in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open 2026?
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic will face young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on February 1 at Rod Laver Arena
Why is this Australian Open final historic for Djokovic?
Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title and an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown, extending his dominance at Melbourne Park.
What did Rishabh Pant say about the final?
Pant predicted that Djokovic could win, saying, “I enjoy watching both Alcaraz and Novak, but I feel Novak might take this one home and make history by getting past both Sinner and Alcaraz to clinch the trophy.”
How did Djokovic and Alcaraz reach the final?
Djokovic defeated defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller (3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4), while Alcaraz overcame Alexander Zverev in another five-set marathon (6-3, 7-6, 4-6, 6-7, 6-4).
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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.