Djokovic and Alcaraz Ready for Historic Showdown in Australian Open Final

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History is set to be made when Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz face off in Sunday’s Australian Open men’s final, with both players chasing major career milestones.

Despite a 16-year age gap, each arrives in Melbourne with unique opportunities to cement their place in tennis history.

Djokovic Chasing Record 11th Australian Open Title

At 38 years old, Djokovic is aiming for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open trophy and a 25th Grand Slam title. A victory would allow him to surpass Margaret Court’s record for the most major titles and become the oldest man to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.

Alcaraz Eyes Career Grand Slam Milestone

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz is pursuing a historic achievement of his own. Already a six-time Grand Slam champion, the Spaniard is striving to become the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments. Rafael Nadal previously set that mark at 24.

“For me, and obviously for Carlos as well because of his age and everything he’s accomplished so far, history is on the line every time we play,” Djokovic said.

“The finals of a Grand Slam carry a lot at stake, but it’s no different from any other big match for me.”

Marathon Semi-Finals Test Both Players

Both finalists endured physically and mentally exhausting semi-finals.

Djokovic overcame two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller lasting 4 hours and 9 minutes, securing his first win over the world number two in six meetings while saving 16 of 18 break points.

Alcaraz went even further, enduring 5 hours and 27 minutes against Alexander Zverev in the longest semi-final in Australian Open history. The Spaniard battled cramp and rallied from a 5-3 deficit in the final set to secure victory.

Managing Recovery Ahead of the Final

With recovery a priority, Djokovic opted to skip Saturday’s training session to conserve energy, while Alcaraz continues to monitor his condition following the grueling contest.

This marks Djokovic’s first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2024, and he has not won a major since the 2023 US Open. During his absence from Grand Slam triumphs, Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the sport’s biggest titles. Yet Djokovic insists he never lost confidence.

“I never stopped believing in myself,” he said.
“There are many people who doubted me, experts who thought I should retire or had written me off. I want to thank them because they gave me motivation to prove them wrong.

“For me, it’s not a surprise. I know what I’m capable of.”

Head-to-Head and Rivalry Insights

Djokovic currently leads their head-to-head 5-4, with Alcaraz winning their most recent encounter at the 2025 US Open, and Djokovic claiming a four-set victory in the 2025 Australian Open.

“He looks 25 physically, so to maintain that level at 38 is impressive,” Alcaraz said.

“I just hate giving up,” he added following his comeback win over Zverev.

Alcaraz has been clear that completing a career Grand Slam is his primary focus this season.

“I would choose this one,” he said when asked which major mattered most.
“I’d rather win here than the other three and become the youngest ever to complete a career Grand Slam.”

Rankings Implications

Regardless of the outcome in Melbourne, Alcaraz will remain world number one, with Sinner at second. Djokovic is expected to rise to third, overtaking Zverev in the rankings.