Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history as youngest man to complete career Grand Slam as he beats Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz has rewritten tennis history by becoming the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after an epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the men’s final at the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne. The 22‑year‑old Spaniard fought back from losing the first set to beat the 38‑year‑old Serbian legend in four sets 2‑6, 6‑2, 6‑3, 7‑5, adding the only major title that had previously eluded him and securing all four Grand Slam trophies before his 23rd birthday.

Alcaraz’s win at Rod Laver Arena not only marked his first Australian Open title and his seventh major overall but also set a new record as he completed the career Grand Slam younger than any man in tennis history. He surpassed the decades‑old mark first set by Don Budge in 1938, achieving the feat at 22 years and 272 days.

The final was a meeting of generations, pitting the world number one against one of the sport’s most decorated champions. Djokovic, who had been unbeaten in ten previous Australian Open finals, was seeking an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title but was unable to maintain his early momentum after taking the first set. Despite the loss, Djokovic’s presence in another major final highlighted his enduring excellence in the sport.

Fans quickly flooded social media and discussion forums with praise for Alcaraz and admiration for his performance under pressure. Some comments noted that Alcaraz’s win kept Djokovic from making history with 25 major titles, adding intrigue to both players’ legacies.

Observers also pointed to Alcaraz’s resilience throughout the tournament. He dropped only a handful of sets on the way to the final, including a grueling five‑hour semifinal match before Friday that tested his physical and mental stamina. His comeback in the final after losing the opening set underlined his ability to adapt and elevate his game against the very best competition.

In the trophy ceremony moments after his historic win, Alcaraz spoke about what the achievement meant to him and acknowledged the influence of tennis greats he grew up watching. Completing the Grand Slam set before the age of 23 has placed him among the sport’s elite, alongside players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic himself, who have each reached the same milestone later in their careers.

The victory also sparked conversations about the future of men’s tennis. With Alcaraz now firmly established as the dominant force in the game and Djokovic continuing to compete at an elite level despite his age, fans and analysts alike are speculating about how many more majors the young champion might capture and whether he might one day challenge all‑time records.

As celebrations continue across the tennis world, Alcaraz’s historic moment in Melbourne will be remembered as a defining milestone in a career that has already reached remarkable heights by the age of 22.