The Australian Open 2026 is set for a historic final showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic on Sunday, February 1st. Both players emerged victorious from grueling semi-final matches, setting the stage for a captivating battle with significant milestones at stake.

Carlos Alcaraz, the top-ranked Spaniard, overcame Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller, 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5, to reach his first Australian Open final. The match, lasting 5 hours and 27 minutes, was the longest Australian Open semi-final in history. Alcaraz displayed resilience, recovering from cramps and a mid-match slump to secure the win. This victory makes Alcaraz the youngest man in the Open Era to reach the final of all four Grand Slam events. Now, at 22 years old, he aims to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. Reflecting on his demanding semi-final, Alcaraz acknowledged the physical toll but emphasized the worth of the fight.

Novak Djokovic, the world No. 4, also battled his way to the final, defeating two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. The match lasted four hours and nine minutes. Djokovic demonstrated his vintage form, overcoming a five-match losing streak against Sinner. This win marks Djokovic's 11th Australian Open final and his 38th Grand Slam final overall, extending his all-time records in both categories. At 38, Djokovic is aiming to become the oldest Australian Open men's singles champion in the Open Era and secure his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic expressed his gratitude to those who doubted him, stating that their criticism motivated him.

The upcoming final will be the 10th meeting between Alcaraz and Djokovic, with Djokovic holding a 5-4 lead in their head-to-head record. Djokovic also has a 3-1 advantage on hard courts. Their most recent encounter was at the US Open semi-finals in 2025, where Alcaraz emerged victorious. Notably, Djokovic won their quarter-final match at the Australian Open last year in four sets.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, February 1st, at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. For Djokovic, this final represents a chance to continue his dominance at Melbourne Park, while Alcaraz seeks to etch his name in tennis history by completing the career Grand Slam at a young age.