Carlos Alcaraz Makes History: Youngest Ever to Complete Career Grand Slam
Novak Djokovic came out firing on all cylinders against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2026 Australian Open final on Sunday, aggressively taking the first set 6-2 while looking to make some unique tennis history of his own.
Winning the match would have not only placed "The Joker" at the very top across men's and women's tennis with 25 major titles, it would have also made him the oldest male player to win a major in the Open era at 38 years old.
But it was not to be, as the special history-making moment stood on the side of the 22-year-old Alcaraz, who broke Rafael Nadal's record in becoming the youngest tennis player to win a career Grand Slam.
Carlos Alcaraz Beats Novak Djokovic in Four Sets to Break Rafael Nadal's Record
After coming out flat in the first frame, Alcaraz took three straight sets against Djokovic — 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 — to win the Australian Open final, marking his seventh major singles title that almost feels crowded with some truly rare tennis history.
Alcaraz not only broke the aforementioned career Grand Slam record set by Nadal, he also became the youngest man of all-time to win seven majors before their 23rd birthday.
As is usually the case whenever these two take the court, particularly with a major on the line, the match was loaded with memorable rallies, frequently finding themselves going back to deuce in some of their more lengthy games throughout the final.
INSANITY ????
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026
Just sit back and enjoy two masters of their craft defying logic.@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/FyGidFw7C5
Putting the History-Making Moment From Carlos Alcaraz in Perspective
The idea that Alcaraz was able to break Nadal's record against Djokovic, arguably considered the greatest tennis player to ever grace the court, probably made it extra sweet for the 22-year-old.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
And that's especially true when taking a look at how Alcaraz's iconic feat stacks up to other legends of the game, and the age they were when they put a winning stamp on a career Grand Slam of their own:
- Rafael Nadal — 24 years old (2010 U.S. Open)
- Roger Federer — 27 years old (2009 French Open)
- Andre Agassi — 29 years old (1999 French Open)
- Novak Djokovic — 29 years old (2016 French Open)
Alcaraz landing on the historic mark a whopping seven years before Djokovic was able to hit the mark kind of says it all.
Rafael Nadal Was in Attendance at Australian Open to See Alcaraz Break Record
The always classy Nadal was on-hand to watch Alcaraz break the record he set 16 years ago and, somewhat fittingly, ended up partaking in a rare, lighthearted moment during what was otherwise an expectedly intense Australian Open final.
Novak Djokovic to Rafa Nadal during the Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 1, 2026
“Wanna play, Rafa?”
Iconic moment between two of the greatest to ever pick up a tennis racquet. ????
pic.twitter.com/sDjfwvvqFh
"Wanna play, Rafa?" Djokovic jokingly shouted up to Nadal, who simply could not stop smiling.
What's the Next Major For Carlos Alcaraz?
While it's unclear what may or may not be in store for the 38-year-old Djokovic, the French Open, also known as Roland Garros, on May 18 is the next opportunity for Alcaraz to continue carving out more history in terms of major titles.
Just a 22yo living his dreams ???????? pic.twitter.com/XLT6eorqcK
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026
After that it will Wimbledon in late June, followed by the U.S. Open starting in the final week of August.
For now, however, it's all about rest and soaking in the moment, and perhaps a tattoo as well.
Taste's like success @carlosalcaraz ????#AO26 pic.twitter.com/sCORIdUAWX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026
"Tastes good," the always understated Alcaraz declared.
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