2026 Australian Open Final: Carlos Alcaraz [1] vs Novak Djokovic [4]

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Nostradamus said:
Nadal looked super jealous that Novak was still playing and he wasn't ... he was in the audience watching and was envious all the way


untitled-design-2026-02-01t151324-1769939102.webp
Nadal is pragmatic, he gave it all on the court and had nothing more to do so..for his condition 22 GS in unbelievable.. I think at the end he didn't want to undergo another surgery keeping his long term health in mind.. Also he gave 110% for Spain / Davis Cup / team mates unlike Djokovic or Federer..
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Gumby said:
I thought Sinner at the last two slams had been somewhat underwhelming. I haven't seen him add new upgrades to his game in some time. Not that it matters 99 percent of the time. He's like a finely tuned exotic race car that is amazing when running on all cylinders, but prone to break down or a misfire. His game is so mechanical and dare I say "one dimensional" in that he plays one way all the time. Hit the forehand and backhand the same pace, hard. He's not a slicer or a defensive minded person in any way possible. He's all offense all the time. I feel that if you can withstand the barrage like Carlos and Novak have shown they can do he's there for the taking. Hence the bad record in post 3 hours and 50 minute matches. Reminds me of Mike Tyson, if you can last and hang with him he becomes very vulnerable. He doesn't seem to have that extra gear or x factor to win past his A game. Carlos can be outplayed and he can still gut out a victory or level himself up at the right moments of tension. Carlos can fall on his variety, creativity or physicality to pull off a victory. Sinner needs a clear road ahead and just hit the gas.

As for this match, I feel that Alcaraz's speed in the corners rushed Novak a bit and he would spray some shots as a result. Also, the defensive slice when stretched was an absolute nightmare for Novak today. He had to hit from below the knees and "reset" the rally or just go for outright winners when the occasion wasn't right for it. I also saw Carlos was lifting his shots from both wings to keep Novak from attacking right away and just hitting a normal rally ball to prolong the rallies and then Carlos would just let it rip on the next ball to throw him off. He plays his game with a lot of thought and variety that people don't pick up on. They just see some kid who is fast and hits the ball hard. I see a kid who has Nadal's physical freakness with Federer's creativity. He doesn't seem to have a reliance (Fed, grass, Nadal, clay) on one specific surface. He grows when he is allowed to bring all of his tools to the court, you literally see him smiling. He wants to show off his arsenal of tricks. Like a kid who has an entire Transformers collection. An absolute phenomenon.
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Sinner is still reeling from 2025 RG Final loss, no matter what he or anyone around him might claim. Until he wins RG, beating Carlos in the final his demons won't go away.
 
Ajosin said:
I think Alcaraz is gonna widen the ATP points ahead of Sinner to 2500+ (2650?). If so, it's becoming a massive gap now...
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Lots of points for Carlos to gain in Sunshine Double. After that, he's defending just about everything, which is crazy. Would love to see Carlos win his 1st Sunshine Double and take pressure off the clay court season.
 
rh310 said:
He was playing smarter tennis in the final than I've noticed before. Still enough unpredictability to keep it interesting, but he mixed in "lockdown" mode (ie, prioritize consistency) points. I hadn't noticed that in his game before.
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True. He was less “flashy” in this final. He used his brain for once. Used loopier forehands in sets 2-4 and better shot selection.

He might have won 7 majors but he is still 22. He is not a master strategist yet. But he is growing and learning opponents’ patterns of play. That’s why I think, barring injury, we won’t see Carlos true peak until he is 24-25. Then he will make a mockery of the record books.
 
Unfortunately reality set in today. He gave it all he had.

I also once again ended up being right about the lighter balls hurting Sinner and helping Alcaraz. I think the Calendar Slam is in reach this year, not that I care.

#NoleGOAT still forever and always.
 
Incognito said:
True. He was less “flashy” in this final. He used his brain for once. Used loopier forehands in sets 2-4 and better shot selection.

He might have won 7 majors but he is still 22. He is not a master strategist yet. But he is growing and learning opponents’ patterns of play. That’s why I think, barring injury, we won’t see Carlos true peak until he is 24-25. Then he will make a mockery of the record books.
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I have nothing against him as a guy, but it’s going to be awfully hard for me to stay interested in the game with this being the case.

If nothing else I hope it makes you happy! Good to see you.
 
YellowFedBetter said:
I have nothing against him as a guy, but it’s going to be awfully hard for me to stay interested in the game with this being the case.

If nothing else I hope it makes you happy! Good to see you.
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Nice to see you too and I hope you are doing well :love:.

Yeah, Carlos is a breath of fresh air after the Fedal retirement. He has bits and pieces of the big 3 and sometimes he has difficulties figuring which one to bring out in different matches, which I find exciting and interesting.
 
One new wrinkle in Alcaraz’s game that I noticed helped him win several important points, and stay in many high tempo rallies that he would’ve flunked out of just a year ago:

The shuffle step (probably incorrect terminology) footwork to the forehand on central/closed court rallies. Federer used to do something similar. Staying low, small steps. I haven’t seen Hugh Clarke’s final analysis yet but I would think he will touch on this in it.

It’s a game of footwork and it’s great to see Carlos and his team continue to work on that aspect.
 
Incognito said:
True. He was less “flashy” in this final. He used his brain for once. Used loopier forehands in sets 2-4 and better shot selection.

He might have won 7 majors but he is still 22. He is not a master strategist yet. But he is growing and learning opponents’ patterns of play. That’s why I think, barring injury, we won’t see Carlos true peak until he is 24-25. Then he will make a mockery of the record books.
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Agreed. He's nowhere near his peak yet. Another 2-3 years. Then, he may be at that level for 5-7 years into his early 30s, barring injury or burnout.
 
Yes I, Carlitos! Jah bless! Top of top drawer stuff to clinch the title / win the career slam/ increase the slam title haul to 7. Dude stayed focused and played strategically after that 1st set beatdown by Novak. This developing maturity has been fascinating to observe - as has his refusal to blink in the face of a challenge.
Rubs shoulders with some of the best players ever, and he's still only 22.

KennyoFatoBoiyo said:
Alcaraz learned to win differently in this match. Stopped trying to trade fast paced flat shots that Djokovic would just use to redirect. Started increasing the variety, took Djokovics legs and the rest is literally history.
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Yah man, spot on. Strategic deployment of skills, dude is less reactionary, outwitting Novak (a master strategist) when needed. All else being equal, should be a great season. His self belief and confidence are soaring. Wowsers!


Carlitos has broken an 88 year record to become the youngest man to win the career slam -

ausopen.com

By the numbers: Alcaraz upends 88-year record to complete career Slam

Carlos Alcaraz’s maiden AO title completes the full suite of majors by age 22, and breaks a record that has stood since 1938.
ausopen.com
 
I didn't get a chance to be in the match thread last night because I had folks around to watch the match.

An interesting final, but the biggest takeaway from me from the men's tournament this year might end up being Djokovic's run to the final and what he was able to do and Alcaraz's extraordinary SF performance.

A very gracious and sportsmanlike acceptance speech at the end from Novak. Having the triad of King Nadal, Carlitos Alcaraz and GOATkovic all there together was a really special moment.

The glory hunters don't count the runners-up, but Djokovic 1000% added to his legacy here for sure.
 
Tallawah Tennis said:
Yes I, Carlitos! Jah bless! Top of top drawer stuff to clinch the title / win the career slam/ increase the slam title haul to 7. Dude stayed focused and played strategically after that 1st set beatdown by Novak. This developing maturity has been fascinating to observe - as has his refusal to blink in the face of a challenge.
Rubs shoulders with some of the best players ever, and he's still only 22.


Yah man, spot on. Strategic deployment of skills, dude is less reactionary, outwitting Novak (a master strategist) when needed. All else being equal, should be a great season. His self belief and confidence are soaring. Wowsers!


Carlitos has broken an 88 year record to become the youngest man to win the career slam -

ausopen.com

By the numbers: Alcaraz upends 88-year record to complete career Slam

Carlos Alcaraz’s maiden AO title completes the full suite of majors by age 22, and breaks a record that has stood since 1938.
ausopen.com
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And now Alcaraz is coming into what is typically his strongest time of the year.

Hopefully he keeps it up!
 
Tennisgods said:
To be fair, I think that showed today, despite the time on court he saved earlier in the week. He only had energy for periods of the match today after set 1 and that was always going to be a problem against Alcaraz.
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True which is why Wimbledon is his best shot, it is much cooler and he can be craftier with his experience.
 
Where are all those that were predicting a Joker victory? I couldn’t believe how many here thought Joker was actually going to win. 2 walkovers and a mentally weak Sinner was the only way he lucked into the final. It’s a shame Sinner choked because that would have been a better match, Carlos didn’t even play that well today and still won easily.
 
rh310 said:
He was playing smarter tennis in the final than I've noticed before. Still enough unpredictability to keep it interesting, but he mixed in "lockdown" mode (ie, prioritize consistency) points. I hadn't noticed that in his game before.
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Happens when he needs it. Middle parts of Wimbledon 2023 final was pure lockdown mode Carlos and when he employs it, it's as good as anyone's.
 
Sephiroth said:
I have a feeling zverev's gonna hand him an L somewhere this year on a big match unfortunately, Carlos struggles more against him than grandpa egg and Sinner
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Nah. If not for the injury/cramp episode, he was comfortably beating Zed in 3. Even one-legged he had half chances at winning it in 3 and showed that Carlos who's entering his peak now, can still dictate rallies with cleanest of striking against Zed, all on one leg.
 
mightyjeditribble said:
3350 I think.

But Sinner missed four M1000 events between AO and Rome, so Carlos needs some buffer if he's coming to stay #1 until RG.
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Sinner will have to win 1000+ points more than Alcaraz until the FO to surpass him, an equivalent of an additional Masters title and some. Alcaraz will be good.
 
The Guru said:
Now no one can say Carlos has only ever been a paper number 1. Holds 3/4 and the most masters of any guy. Best player in the world no doubt about it.
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If not for losing his mind in the final, fkng around in the previous rounds and finding out, and a sublime Sinner importantly, he'd have had his own Nole Slam.
 
NYTennisfan said:
Kind of an anticlimactic final game but I'm astounded at how well Djokovic played, he really made Carlos earn it. The utmost respect for him.
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We still have that 25 ball rally from that game. Djokovic saw Djokovic himself on the other side. Ridiculous depth and coverage from Carlos. Such early ball striking.

That point broke Djokovic entirely.
 
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tlm said:
Where are all those that were predicting a Joker victory? I couldn’t believe how many here thought Joker was actually going to win. 2 walkovers and a mentally weak Sinner was the only way he lucked into the final. It’s a shame Sinner choked because that would have been a better match, Carlos didn’t even play that well today and still won
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If Carlos at 23 and in his prime lost to 38 year old Novak after Novak had to overcome Sinner, it would have been terrible look for current tennis.

Embarrassing enough that he lost OG and last year in Australia to 37 year old Novak way past his prime.

Novak did amazing to beat Sinner ,where everyone else barring Carlos, has been blown away by him.
 
paolo2143 said:
If Carlos at 23 and in his prime lost to 38 year old Novak after Novak had to overcome Sinner, it would have been terrible look for current tennis.

Embarrassing enough that he lost OG and last year in Australia to 37 year old Novak way past his prime.

Novak did amazing to beat Sinner ,where everyone else barring Carlos, has been blown away by him.
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I mean people have to cut Alcaraz some slack. He's the most accomplished 22-year old EVER. The expecations are sky high from him, maybe even higher than from Fed at his peak. Djokovic at the same stage was losing in the Slams to guys like Kohlschreiber, Melzer, Berdych, washed up Safin, Tsonga, Roddick, it wasn't just Fed and Nadal. Would it look better if Alcaraz lost in the 2nd round at the 2025 AO instead of losing to Djokovic and giving him a match?

Alcaraz has been pretty much flawless so far, some losses you wouldn't expect (2024 US, 2025 AO), but overall he doesn't really have that many bad losses considering he barely started playing at this level like 3,5 years ago. Nadal had more and Federer/Djokovic had way more. If Alcaraz goes a level up in the next year or two whichever "bad" losses he had at 20-21 won't matter. In the end he's 3-0 in Slam finals against Djokovic, 4-2 in the Slams (and one loss due to heavy cramping in 2023). He's doing fine.
 
Gumby said:
I thought Sinner at the last two slams had been somewhat underwhelming. I haven't seen him add new upgrades to his game in some time. Not that it matters 99 percent of the time. He's like a finely tuned exotic race car that is amazing when running on all cylinders, but prone to break down or a misfire. His game is so mechanical and dare I say "one dimensional" in that he plays one way all the time. Hit the forehand and backhand the same pace, hard. He's not a slicer or a defensive minded person in any way possible. He's all offense all the time. I feel that if you can withstand the barrage like Carlos and Novak have shown they can do he's there for the taking. Hence the bad record in post 3 hours and 50 minute matches. Reminds me of Mike Tyson, if you can last and hang with him he becomes very vulnerable. He doesn't seem to have that extra gear or x factor to win past his A game. Carlos can be outplayed and he can still gut out a victory or level himself up at the right moments of tension. Carlos can fall on his variety, creativity or physicality to pull off a victory. Sinner needs a clear road ahead and just hit the gas.

As for this match, I feel that Alcaraz's speed in the corners rushed Novak a bit and he would spray some shots as a result. Also, the defensive slice when stretched was an absolute nightmare for Novak today. He had to hit from below the knees and "reset" the rally or just go for outright winners when the occasion wasn't right for it. I also saw Carlos was lifting his shots from both wings to keep Novak from attacking right away and just hitting a normal rally ball to prolong the rallies and then Carlos would just let it rip on the next ball to throw him off. He plays his game with a lot of thought and variety that people don't pick up on. They just see some kid who is fast and hits the ball hard. I see a kid who has Nadal's physical freakness with Federer's creativity. He doesn't seem to have a reliance (Fed, grass, Nadal, clay) on one specific surface. He grows when he is allowed to bring all of his tools to the court, you literally see him smiling. He wants to show off his arsenal of tricks. Like a kid who has an entire Transformers collection. An absolute phenomenon.
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A well-written and insightful analysis. I agree that Sinner does warrant some criticism for one-dimensionality. There are (as one would expect on an internet message board) many people who have been calling Sinner a "choker," but I don't believe that is true; he has been losing a lot of close big Grand Slam matches, but never due to double faults or missed sitters on the critical points or what-have-you. I believe, as you say, that it is more that he doesn't have another gear -- he plays essentially his standard game in big fifth sets, big points, etc., and in both Alcaraz and (a reasonably-fresh-and-inspired) Djokovic, he runs into guys who have an extra magic for the critical moments, resulting in their snatching matches out from under his nose.
 
tennis_pro said:
I mean people have to cut Alcaraz some slack. He's the most accomplished 22-year old EVER. The expecations are sky high from him, maybe even higher than from Fed at his peak. Djokovic at the same stage was losing in the Slams to guys like Kohlschreiber, Melzer, Berdych, washed up Safin, Tsonga, Roddick, it wasn't just Fed and Nadal. Would it look better if Alcaraz lost in the 2nd round at the 2025 AO instead of losing to Djokovic and giving him a match?

Alcaraz has been pretty much flawless so far, some losses you wouldn't expect (2024 US, 2025 AO), but overall he doesn't really have that many bad losses considering he barely started playing at this level like 3,5 years ago. Nadal had more and Federer/Djokovic had way more. If Alcaraz goes a level up in the next year or two whichever "bad" losses he had at 20-21 won't matter. In the end he's 3-0 in Slam finals against Djokovic, 4-2 in the Slams (and one loss due to heavy cramping in 2023). He's doing fine.
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I am not panning Carlos as he is an amazing player and by time ge is finished he will be in GOAT debate. However, I am pointing out that he should be beating 38 year old Novak at this stage in their careers.
 
Vincent-C said:
If Alky ever has a run at a major like PETE's at the '90 USO, I promise to be impressed.
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What’s special about that? Losing a set to old mac and muster on hard court. Not to mention on faster court it’s easy to win with great serve and good volley, do you see how slow they move?
 
EddieChang said:
What’s special about that? Losing a set to old mac and muster on hard court. Not to mention on faster court it’s easy to win with great serve and good volley, do you see how slow they move?
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If you think those guys were "slow", I've got a nice bridge for sale..

kids these days
 
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