Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic: Australian Open final preview | ATP Tour

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Alcaraz vs Djokovic: Australian Open final from Houdini escape to chasing history

Spaniard seeks first AO title; Djokovic aims for 25th Grand Slam title

January 31, 2026

After delivering a Houdini-like winner in the semi-finals, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are now looking to make history of their own in Sunday’s Australian Open final. Alcaraz and Djokovic are 16 years apart, standing at opposite ends of their careers, pursuing completely different milestones.

Alcaraz, 22, aims to become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam. Standing in front of him is the 38-year-old Djokovic, the most decorated men’s Grand Slam champion in history. The Serbian, who owns as many Australian Open trophies as he lost in his first Grand Slam of the season (10), is now seeking to become the oldest champion in the tournament’s history.

“History is dangerous for us every time we play,” Djokovic said of his rivalry with Alcaraz. “There’s a lot at stake in a Grand Slam final, but it’s no different than any other major tournament I’ve played.”

The much-anticipated final also begs the question: Which player can tap into his deepest reserves and rise to the occasion again? Alcaraz won the longest semifinal in tournament history on Friday, defeating last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev in a thriller that lasted five hours and 27 minutes. “We pushed our bodies to the limit,” the Spaniard said later.

Djokovic, meanwhile, beat two-time defending champion Janik Sinner after four hours and nine minutes in what the Serbian described as “an instant classic”. [my] Best performance of the last decade or so.”

Who can make another heroic effort?

“Biologically, I think it will be easier for him to recover,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz. “My preparation is as good as it should be, I beat him here last year and it was a tough match as well. Let’s see how fresh we can both be.”

Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in their most recent encounter at the US Open last year, but he was full of praise for the Serbian’s physical fitness after the game, saying “his body looks like he is 25 years old, and it is impressive that he can maintain the level of a 38-year-old.”

The gap between Alcaraz and Djokovic has always been razor-thin in their generational rivalry. Just 12 months ago, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz at Rod Laver Arena and they will kick off Sunday at 7:30pm ET / 3:30am ET / 9:30am CET. Djokovic holds a 5-4 lead over Alcaraz in the Lexus ATP Head2Head Series but has lost three of five meetings at the Grand Slam.

After losing to Alcaraz in New York last September, Djokovic spoke candidly about the experience of facing Alcaraz and Sinner, who have won the past eight majors together.

“It will be very difficult for me to overcome the obstacles of Sinner and Alcaraz in the future with four wins out of five at the Grand Slams,” Djokovic admitted at the time. “I think with three out of three I have a better chance, but four out of five, it’s tough.”

But as Djokovic reminded Jim Courier in his on-court interview on Friday, he said it will be “difficultbut not impossible.”

With the first prize up to $4,150,000, the showdown between Djokovic and Alcaraz is destined to be a tug-of-war from the bottom line. If last year’s match in Melbourne was any guide, Alcaraz and Djokovic will chip away at the ball and rely on attacking the tennis ball first to decide the match with ferocious groundstrokes. Look for two players to pull your opponent from corner to corner, testing your opponent’s physical abilities in the early stages.

Payback points can be decisive, potentially swinging momentum and play an important role. In their most recent meeting, Djokovic won just 16% (8/50) of his first serve returns, less than half the 34% (19/56) Alcaraz achieved in their straight-sets win.

No matter who wins, the record will be rewritten.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Djokovic said. “I play tennis mainly to get to a Grand Slam final.”

Alcaraz added: “I’m really happy to be playing my first final in Melbourne. It’s something I’ve been looking for – the chance to fight for the title.”

This is not a drill‼ ️@carlosalcaraz and @DjokerNole Compete for the 2026 Australian Open Championship. Who do you have? 🏆#AO26 pic.twitter.com/JpSXvJO0bZ

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 30, 2026