Carlos Alcaraz smashes 88-year tennis record as Novak Djokovic beaten in Australian Open final

Budge was just 22 years and 363 days when, in 1938, he conquered the French Open by beating Roderich Menzel in Paris.

But Alcaraz, aged 22 and 272 days, has now risen ahead of him in the history books.

Sunday's final always had the makings of an exciting spectacle.

Alcaraz had rallied to sensationally beat Alexander Zverev in Friday's semi-final, despite the Spaniard struggling with cramp.

As for Djokovic, the 38-year-old had defied the odds to eliminate defending champion Jannik Sinner - with the Italian tasting his first defeat at this competition since 2023.

History 🏆

Career slam complete, take a bow @carlosalcaraz 🇪🇸@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/pd7ye35TTq

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026

Both Alcaraz and Djokovic were all smiles prior to the clash, with fans inside the Rod Laver Arena eagerly anticipating what was to follow.

And it was Djokovic, hot on the heels of his pulsating win over Sinner, who started the better of the pair.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion broke Alcaraz's serve in the first game of the match and proceeded to close out the first set, much to the delight of spectators inside the ground.

Djokovic was playing with the poise and power of old. Alcaraz, as a result, started to look a little unlike his usual self.

The second set went to the world No 1, however, with the 22-year-old breaking early before winning it 6-2.

There was drama at the interval, while both men prepared for the start of the third instalment, with Alcaraz frustrated by a decision regarding the roof.

The tennis star complained to both the umpire and tournament organisers after the roof was closed, but only partially.

After a brief delay, proceedings commenced once again.

The third set saw some sumptuous stuff from both men. Alcaraz hit a brilliant tweener behind his legs, only for Djokovic to win that point. Djokovic hit big in one particular rally, yet Alcaraz's powers of recovery served him well.

After his rival secured a break, Djokovic found his serve under pressure once again. Alcaraz, having spurned four break points, managed to capitalise on the fifth to creep into the ascendancy.

From that moment on, for all of Djokovic's remarkable quality at the age of 38, there was only realistically going to be one winner.

Alcaraz, at 16 years his opponent's junior, simply possseses the same extra gear that the man opposite him once boasted during his prime years.

There was a chance for Djokovic to break his nemesis at 4-4. Alcaraz, however, saved the break point and roared to the crowd in delight.

One last break in at 6-5 sealed Alcaraz's first Australian Open triumph, with the youngster falling to the floor, overcome by emotion.

He now has seven majors to his name. Plenty more, undoubtedly, will now follow.