02/02/2026

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MONDAY | FEB 2, 2026

Malaysian Paper

King Carlos

Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz (left) and runner-up Novak Djokovic pose on the podium after the men’s singles final at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park yesterday. – REUTERSPIC/AFPPIC

Alcaraz sweeps past Djokovic to win maiden Australian Open title

C ARLOS ALCARAZ swept past Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open yesterday and become the youngest man to com plete a career Grand Slam, denying the Serbian great an unprece dented 25th major. The Spaniard was imperious after a slow start in dismissing the 38-year-old, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena to claim a sev enth Slam title and cement himself as undisputed world No. 1. In doing so, he became the youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors, adding to his two titles each from Wimbledon and the French and US Opens. At 22, he surpassed legendary countryman Rafael Nadal – in the crowd to witness the feat – who was two years older when he did the same. A seventh Slam put him along side John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

break point and held in the next game. Djokovic put drops to his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz who broke again for 5-2. There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind. He gamely saved four set points at 3-5 but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control. On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11 minute opening service game in set four to stay alive and kept fight ing hard. But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a maiden Australian championship. It ensured he remained world No. 1 and Sinner two, with Djokovic moving up a place to three ahead of Zverev. – AFP/Reuters

fortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1. Alcaraz saved it, but the aggres sive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then con solidated for a 4-1 lead. Djokovic was reading Alcaraz’s serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earn ing him two set points. He claimed the set

Djokovic thanked his team for supporting him in his quest for a record extending 11th Melbourne Park title. “It hasn’t been smooth sailing as it never is,” he added. “You were my rock and have seen the best and worst of me in the last few years, but in particular the last three weeks.”

It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously, leaving him still searching for a landmark 25th major to better Australia’s Margaret Court, who was also watching on centre court. Djokovic, striving to become the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy, last won one at the US Open in 2023. Since then Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have shared the spoils. Djokovic heaped praise on his rival, telling a packed Melbourne crowd: “First and foremost of course, congratulations Carlos. An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you have been doing, the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary. “I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career. You’re so young you have a lot of time, like myself. “I’m sure we will be seeing a lot of each other over the next 10 years… not!”

Both men battled through five long sets

in a statement 33 minutes after a ninth unforced error from the top seed, having dominated the big moments.

in their semifinals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic with Sinner, and recovery was always going to be key after their physical struggles. But they showed few signs of fatigue in another gladatorial contest. They both opened with com

It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz came storm ing back, upping the tempo to break for 2-1

in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a

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