Novak Djokovic must face brutal reality as Carlos Alcaraz's empire rises further with Australian Open win

It was a tight and tense affair. Djokovic produced some memorable moments, playing at a level higher than anything he was able to reach in 2024 and 2025.

Yet his rival is, simply put, too good and too young. Alcaraz found the extra gear that today's Djokovic lacks, becoming the youngest player in tennis history to achieve the career Grand Slam in the process.

Afterwards, speaking to the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic suggested that he was undecided when it comes to returning to Melbourne - the stage of 10 of his 24 major triumphs.

His tone also indicated that walking away from the sport that has given him so much is also a possibility. Some, certainly, have taken it that way.

"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So, it has been a great ride. I love you guys," he said.

History 🏆

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

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026

Earlier in the week, Djokovic was written off by many as a faded force.

He was fortunate to stay in the competition when trailing two sets to Lorenzo Musetti, with the Serb only progressing because his Italian opponent was unable to carry on due to injury.

When Djokovic went up against Jannik Sinner on Friday, few expected a major upset.

But despite being in the twilight years of his career, the veteran was still able to summon the magic of old to produce the tournament's biggest fairytale moment.

Djokovic was sensational against Sinner, winding back the years with a performance that left his 24-year-old opponent powerless. It was, without a doubt, a huge contrast to what fans had seen just days previously.

Yet while the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry rightly receives plaudits due to the high levels of both men, it's the Spaniard who is in a league of his own.

Alcaraz had already beaten Djokovic in Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024.

Today was yet another reminder that, while he stands on the opposite side of the net fully fit and firing, he's the man to beat.

His empire is rising and showing no signs of slowing down. Alcaraz has a formidable forehand, brilliant backhand and remarkable powers of recovery. He is a blistering blend of the greats that have come before him.

Djokovic stood next to his young nemesis looking comfortable. He knows, perhaps, that he's not got the legs to win these sort of showdowns any more.

Yes, he produced the goods against Sinner. But he'd played less tennis than his rival by quite some distance, something that worked well in his favour.

The sad reality is that Djokovic is not the Djokovic of old. There will always be glimpses of the force of nature he once was but Grand Slam titles, while Alcaraz stands in his way, are beyond him.

Whether he does indeed return to Melbourne in 2027, for one last dance, remains to be seen.