Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest to complete career Grand Slam

Defeats Novak Djokovic in Australian Open final to achieve historic feat

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:47am

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Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old world No. 1, defeated Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final to become the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam. Alcaraz dropped the first set 2-6 before rallying to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and claim his seventh major title.

Why it matters

Alcaraz's achievement is historic, as he breaks the record previously held by Don Budge, who completed the career Grand Slam at 22 years and 363 days. This cements Alcaraz's status as one of the all-time greats of the sport, having now won all four major titles at a remarkably young age.

The details

Djokovic, the 38-year-old 24-time Grand Slam champion, raced out to a 6-2 first-set lead before Alcaraz fought back. A couple of unforced errors from Djokovic early in the second set gave Alcaraz the confidence to turn the match around. Alcaraz scrambled to retrieve shots and kept up intense pressure on Djokovic, who nearly leveled the match in the fourth set before Alcaraz held on for the victory.

  • The Australian Open final took place on February 2, 2026.
  • Alcaraz, at 22 years and 272 days old, broke the previous record held by Don Budge, who completed the career Grand Slam at 22 years and 363 days.

The players

Carlos Alcaraz

The 22-year-old Spanish tennis player who is currently the world No. 1 and has now won all four major singles titles, becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic

The 38-year-old Serbian tennis player who is a 24-time Grand Slam champion and was seeking his 25th major title in the Australian Open final.

Rafael Nadal

The 22-time Grand Slam champion who was in attendance at the Australian Open final to witness Alcaraz's historic achievement.

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What they’re saying

“Means the world to me. It is a dream come true for me.”

— Carlos Alcaraz

“Tennis can change on just one point. One point, one feeling, one shot can change the whole match completely.”

— Carlos Alcaraz

“What you've been doing, the best word to describe is historic, legendary. So congratulations.”

— Novak Djokovic

“He's my idol, my role model. To complete the career Slam in front of him, it made even more special.”

— Carlos Alcaraz

The takeaway

At just 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has cemented his place among the all-time greats of tennis by becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. This historic achievement will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of tennis players and fans around the world.