Who: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
Content: Men’s Singles Final – Australian Open 2026
Date and time: Sunday 1 February 19:30 (08:30 GMT)
Location: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
How to follow: Al Jazeera’s live text and photo stream starts at 05:30 GMT.
Novak Djokovic is one step away from establishing himself as the greatest tennis player of all time. However, Carlos Alcaraz stands in his way. Carlos Alcaraz is a modern-day opponent seeking a career milestone of his own.
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Tennis history will be rewritten when the pair meet in the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final on Sunday.
Djokovic is aiming for his 25th major title, passing Margaret Court on the list of all-time Grand Slam winners in the Open Era, while Alcaraz, 16 years her junior, is aiming to become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the only career Grand Slam from her trophy cabinet.
The 38-year-old Serbian is already the oldest player to qualify for a Grand Slam final, but will be hoping to make the most of his appearance in Sunday’s blockbuster final as he looks to win a record-extending 25th men’s title.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, the last man to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2024, will aim to turn his debut final at the Australian Open into the night he clinches a career major championship.
Both players come into the match on the back of dramatic wins in the semifinals on Friday at Rod Laver Arena, but Alcaraz, the top seed and world No. 1, has had a slightly longer recovery period than fourth-seeded Djokovic.
What is the tennis rivalry between Alcaraz and Djokovic?
In the five years since his first appearance in a Grand Slam main draw, Alcaraz has quickly become the face of men’s tennis, but his short history with the iconic Djokovic is often seen as a passing of the baton as part of a generational rivalry.
While Alcaraz is known for his speed and power, Djokovic relies on his experience, consistency and resilience to fend off the next generation of tennis talent.
The young Spaniard’s first meeting with Djokovic was at the 2022 Madrid Open, where the home favorite defeated the veteran in straight sets.
Since then, the two have met five times in Grand Slams, with Alcaraz winning both finals, but Djokovic won at the Olympics, completing a career Super Slam.
Overall, the Serb has outscored his rival with five wins and four losses in nine meetings.
Alcaraz vs Djokovic: Head-to-head
Lifetime win/loss record
Djokovic: 1163/233 Alcaraz: 280/65
Work history:
Djokovic: 101 Alcaraz: 24
Lifetime prize money:
Djokovic: $191.2 million Alcaraz: $60 million
Year of pro:
Djokovic: 2003 Alcaraz: 2018
grand slam alcaraz
Title: 6
French Open: 2024, 2025
Wimbledon: 2023, 2024
US Open: 2022, 2025
Djokovic at the Grand Slam
Title: 24
Australian Open: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023
French Open: 2016, 2021, 2023
Wimbledon: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
US Open: 2011, 2015, 2018, 2023
Who won the last match between Alcaraz and Djokovic?
The last meeting between the two was in the semi-finals of the 2025 US Open, when eventual champion Alcaraz was too strong for four-time champion Djokovic.
The match ended in Alcaraz’s favor 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.
How did Alcaraz reach the 2026 Australian Open final?
Alcaraz, who had been feeling unwell, reached his first Australian Open final by defeating Alexander Zverev in a close five-set match that lasted five hours and 27 minutes. The world No. 1-ranked player fought off the third-seeded German player despite his body sagging in the heat.
Road to the finals:
1st round: Won against Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 2nd round: Won against Yannick Hanfmann 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2 3rd round: Won against Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 4th round: Won against Tommy Paul 7-6 (7-6), 6-4, 7-5 Quarterfinals: Defeated Alex De Minnow 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 Semi-finals: Defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-7 (4/7), 7-5
How did Djokovic reach the 2026 Australian Open final?
Djokovic stunned reigning champion Jannik Sinner early Saturday morning, with the veteran turning back the clock in a grueling four-hour, nine-minute match that upset the Italian.
Road to the finals:
1st round: Won against Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 2nd round: Won against Francesco Mastrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 3rd round: Won against Botic van de Zanzschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) 4th round: Won by default over Jakub Mensik Quarterfinals: Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 3-6, 3-1 by forfeit Semi-final: Won against Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
What is being said about the Djokovic vs. Alcaraz Australian Open final?
Tennis experts, fans and former champions continue to weigh in on what constitutes a modern-day epic.
Rafael Nadal: “I think the favorite is Carlos. He’s young, he has energy, he’s in his prime. But I mean, Novak is Novak. He’s a very special player. I think this is a great example of commitment and resilience. Novak is not in his prime for obvious reasons, but he’s still very competitive at an age where it’s hard to be competitive. Huge respect.”
Andy Roddick: “People regret impressing children.”
How much is the Australian Open winner’s prize money?
The men’s singles champion and runner-up will receive $2.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of the total tournament prize pool of $78.1 million.
How can I stream and follow the Australian Open 2026 final?
Al Jazeera’s build-up to the final will begin at 5:30 a.m. GMT, followed by a stream of live scores, photos and text commentary starting at 8:30 a.m. GMT.
