Feb 01, 2026
3 min read
Match-by-match report: Join Daniel Harris for updates on the men's singles final in Melbourne
Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 4-3 Djokovic* Alcaraz may be the best mobile, low center of gravity, quick and agile player I've ever seen.But what sets him apart is his foresight and perceptive thinking at high speed and high fatigue; so he welcomes the crowd back after an unrealistic performance from the corner as a magical winner.The total goes to 15 and even though Djokovic is holding from this point, he is finding it difficult to move forward.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic: 2026 Australian Open Men's Singles Final - Live
🎾 Updates from the Men's Singles Final at Melbourne Park
🎾 BIG MATCH PREVIEW |Follow us on BLUE SKY |EMAIL DANIEL
Sun Feb 01 2026 05:34 EST
First published Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 2:30 am EST Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 5:34 am EST
First published: Sunday 1 February 2026 02.30 EST* Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 4-2 Djokovic To be honest, I want to tell you because it’s my job to avoid looking like an idiot.I think this game only goes one way.I don’t think Djokovic is capable of matching Alcaraz at 5-1.Although he was 15 strokes behind due to the fall, the early time he entered the rally showed he was feeling the rhythm of the game.But he found a way to get into the top 30. But he can't get close to clearing, which causes the serve to deflect and flip into the opposite corner.Then a body serve was backed up by another angled backhand, the break was granted and Alcaraz's tattooist might want to perfect his kangaroo.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 3-2 Djokovic* doubles 0-15, at the net due to poor play, Djokovic gets past and you worry about him. Alcaraz then hits a rally shot to make it 15-30, but he has two break points when an in-out backhand shot goes wide, and a return when he sends his opponent into the corner.The shot goes wide and Alcaraz now controls the final. If Djokovic can regain the title, it will be one of the craziest things we've ever seen, even from him.
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 2-2 Djokovic Chalé!Alcaraz in the corner, Djokovic with the ball;Alcaraz with the head, Djokovic with the get;Alcaraz with the reverse, Djokovic with the finish on the side of the post;Alcaraz with the stretch and get, greeting the crowd, cupping the ear.The absolute status of these two, friends;we have the privilege of living in their time, the ability to think clearly and creatively as we race like incredible heroes.We finish at 30-all and these are the most important moments of the match so far, Djokovic unloads from both sides, Alcaraz defends... before suddenly changing the momentum by inventing an angle so acute that it almost doesn't exist, a right-footed scorer whips in a cross that breaks the touchline in the service box.Pythagoras has nothing on the Murcian magician and soon closes a decisive hold.
Alcarez 2-6 6-2 1-2 Djokovic* Djokovic drops pat for 15-0, then opens his shoulder for an inside-out forehand winner.Better than that.Then a very good forehand makes it 40-0, a slightly closed roof probably helps a lot, flat balls sent down the line, and a good hold on the service winner.Alcarez will be hard to beat if he takes this set.Djokovic wins two on the spin, but what if Djokovic does it?We are on the cusp of an all-time great sporting achievement.
* Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 1-1 Djokovic Oh!We go back, Djokovic sends the charge before shaking hands in and out to Alcaraz trouble, only the rear cross floats past him.Probably the goal of the game so far, his left wrist has been slightly broken, as when Kevin Pietersen touched a flamingo.In seconds, love is in the book, and though only one fool writes from Djokovic, I a) see Master Alcaraz now and b) a fool.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 0-1 Djokovic* And it is also worth noting that Alcaraz can play much better than before, but meanwhile there is an argument: they are closing the roof quite a bit, although it is not raining, and the young man - I think this is the first time I have called - is someone happy.He's doing well anyway, the wind is helping him, generally speaking he's right: it's an outdoor tournament.As he discovered upon his return, cleaner hitters could now play up percentages more easily.For what it's worth, I don't think it will make a difference - Alcaraz is at the top and I think he'll stay there, it's 0-30 as I type.But God, the issue that comes next, Djokovic hits, Alcaraz returns it, then plays a twinner lob after hurting himself, the overhead is not easy.Oh!A service winner follows, then returns to the net, but in an attempt to finish the game, a forehand along the net brings us to deuce and we discover that it is raining nearby, so the roof has been closed as a precaution.Alcaraz then hit a forehand and Djokovic gained a crucial hold.
Carlos Alcaraz took the second set 6-2 with Novak Djokovic at one set.
* ALCARAZ 2-6 6-2 djokovic Our four breaks in the game from one end, serving in the air of the right of the chair and that's where Alcaraz is now.And he finds himself down 0-15, but two unforced errors move him two ways of the set, then a big serving and set off in the network to make 40 years in two set points.Another great service, return in network, but it is.Djokovic will find his first level, but if he can't it will finish quickly;Alcars is very good, just perfection or close to it will be enough for him.
Alcaraz 2-6 5-2 Djokovic * I think that Djokovic hit the level in the first set that there was always a break in two, just as Alcaraz could always be better, and in all 15 he chases the ball to the corner, legs aside and burns the backhand won down the line.Wow, and when Djokovic puts in a backhand, he gives up two points in a double break, the first saves when the return goes wrong... and then he puts his forehand +1.This game is fast and Alcaraz will use the set soon.
*Alcaraz 2-6 4-2 Djokovic Alcaraz forehands for the winner - I think he's used to the situation - 40-0 down confirms suspicions.He's the better player now, winning serve at love, but don't be surprised to see Djokovic on a different level in the next set if not in this set.
Alcaraz 2-6 3-2 Djokovic* Djokovic accelerates to 30-0, then with a slow serve in the second, Alcaraz can only score a backhand return.We, them, make it 40-15. When the next return hits the ropes of the net, Djokovic sees it falling and swinging... on the line when it looks like it's off the line.It doesn't matter: he quickly closes the cage, increasing the pressure in the next game.
* Alcaraz 2-6 3-1 Djokovic side outside, Djokovic 0-15;It did not escape his notice that this relaxation was more of a gift than a draw.Ace took the game down to three, but then Alcaraz tried to hit a wall that he could leave, and it was under him.Djokovic's long returns are another sign of his fearlessness.In doing so, however, his opponent is not at his best, doing too much to serve a break point.The forehand is long enough to fool us though, so when Djokovic explodes in the next rally, Alcaraz holds the rally, then steps up with a stunning return, splitting the net with Adam to maintain stability.He's still nowhere near his best, but he's a little better, and if other players continue to play like they are now, his speed and durability will favor him.
Alcaraz 2-6 2-1 Djokovic* After a dominant hold, Alcaraz will be looking to increase the pressure in the return game, making it 15 points if Djokovic loses.Then, although he could not receive properly after a long second, when he hit a forehand to the ribbon, the ball bounced up and fell to the other side when the wind waved the net in the main moment;15-30, pull your nose.So Djokovic unloaded on the dictation to do too much when he had so much to put in front of him, and two bridges were broken.Whether they got them or not, the Serbs were left cold and gave the thumbs up for the break.Could it be a change in energy?
*Alcaraz 2-6 1-1 Djokovic Better than Alcaraz, making it 30-0 with a big cross, then just surviving a lob and pass when caught at the net.An ace down the T and his game goes?
Alcaraz 2-6 0-1 Djokovic* Alcaraz needs, wins more points with his return in the first set.But soon it's 30-all and nails a second serve, so that means a chance to tie, and although Alcaraz leads us to a break, Djokovic does what he needs to from there, the game secured with a drop to highlight the totality of the tousing now in control.
Krishnamurthy V emailed to offer Mondo Duplantis as a player at Djokovic's level, and he really is, but I'm not sure we can put pole vaulting at tennis' level.Anyway, he already stands with your Usain Bolts and your Wayne Gretzkys of this world, but below Muhammad Ali because he stood - and stands - for nothing more than being amazing.
Novak Djokovic takes the first set against Carlos Alcaraz 6-2
*Alcaraz 2-6 Djokovic So far, Djokovic is doing a very good job of cramping Alcaraz, denying him time and space to make magic.The line balls come faster than crosses because they have less distance to cover and at 15-all he dictates again by hitting a short ball for a winner that takes two points from the set.The know-how and feel for what a rally requires is terrible and even though Alcaraz changed the final rally to give his shots a little more air, Djokovic punishes a forehand winner from well behind the baseline to go up two set points!He, though a shot goes wide, somehow stretches an elastic arm to fire an acute reaction shot that skims across and low over the net, inciting the error again.A perfect set (of tennis) from Djokovic and it makes shocking, not shocking at all.
Alcaraz 2-5 Djokovic*15-0, we go forehand cross to forehand cross, Djokovic holds long, then first serve allows a volley for 40-0, unreturned delivery secures another hold;So far he has only won two service points, he is one game away from a set and we must never let the absurd become trivial.Djokovic is already the greatest male tennis player of all time;If he wins it, it will be hard to argue that there are more greats than him in any sport.
*Alcaraz 2-4 Djokovic Alcaraz tells us we are "playing behind" so a question: did this phrase exist before Going for Gold or is it only in our lexicon because of Henry Kelly?And now he is playing in the game, 0-30;Djokovic attacks his forehand and the tactic works well.30-allA big serve then sets up a match point, secured with a pair of forehands.
Alcaraz 1-4 Djokovic * Responds 15-0 Djokovic Alcaraz by encouraging how he became one of the best servers in his 30s, a ridiculous situation.
*Alcaraz 1-3 Djokovic Good hitting from both players, but an errant backhand gives Djokovic a looping track and a friendly bounce;he duly dematerializes a forehand winner at 0-15.The only downside, though, is that Alcaraz is level - I think he'll want to try and run his man up front, not just to the side.Sure - but consecutive errors and Djokovic has break point at 30-40.we talkAnother drop from midcourt is very good, but another Alcaraz error - not convincing if we're being strict, but the pressure he faced brought it to him - gives Djokovic another chance, he gets away with a big shot, only to put him under pressure again for another error.This time, the rally of the match is underway, with Alcaraz suddenly on top.He was asked to recover, which is doing well.But the purity of Djokovic's ball hitting is very high: he does not go to the corner, but controls the speed, ensures the break.He is very good at tennis.
"This is going to be a great game," writes Kim Thonger, "but I wish the big games would set a clearer and nicer dress standard. Long white pants and a straight shirt are great, as shown here..."
Everything but what they give to sinners is better than Alcaraz's vest.The green he wore on Friday was better, but still, he deserved better.
Alcaraz 1-2 Djokovic * Love applies to Djokovic, and if the rescue continues as it has started, we will have some very tight ends to the set.
"Hello from snowy Sweden," simula ni Juliian Menz. "I've watching tennis since the Borg/McEnroe days. I remember Becker, Sampras, it's a long list. More recent, the radiant grace of Federer, the brilliance of prime Nadal, it's a long list. As tennis fans, we are truly blessed now though. The sheer audacity of Djokovic to throw aside that Al Simmer we just throw aside and just throw a talent.
They agreed in all aspects, but it is worth noting that until Friday, this competition was disappointing: there were no close matches and the final was inevitable.In Djokovic's years, I am afraid that this will increase: the last few, the first 10 days.
*Alcaraz 1-1 Djokovic looks very open and both natural problems are loose and Friday is out of their system.Djokovic then sends a backhand into the net - the shot is too good for Sinner, but Alcaraz is a little lighter, quicker and on the feet to face it better.We're 40-0 quickly and the winner just helps bring a goat into the game to the line - these are the shots that rely on it - but the over secures another catch.
Alcaraz 0-1 Djokovic * (* denotes server) djokovic starts well, wide serve allows for a front in space which effectively wins the point and then a backhand back;40-0.Heart in a bag This will make him feel better, although his next comeback will be long and will seal a sure stoppage.
You can cut atmosphere with atmosphere cutter.Djokovic will serve - Alcaraz decided to accept - he is ready to play.
Does Djokovic think this is his last chance?He's on his favorite turf - in dominant fashion - and his two young rivals will only get better as they get weaker.It's not too hot, it's dark, he's not wearing sunglasses.Hit him.
And here they are!
Our players are ready to go.This will be special.
I keep saying it, but I have to say it again.We are at the beginning of a golden age for women's tennis.Sabalenka, Rybakina, Gauff, Svetek and Osaka will be at their peak, Anisimova will be there, Andreeva will be there, and Mboko, Batiste and Jovic will be there.Ah, that's right.
I recently realized that I might be obsessive and one of my undercurrents, as the opening statement says, is my love for sports.So here's something about it.
It was very windy in Melbourne and the roof may have been closed at times due to the threat of rain, but now it's open and the conditions may be favorable for Alcaraz's extra energy and creativity.
How is Lorenzo Musetti feeling today?Like Griggzy Dimitrov and Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon;He made it two apiece for Djokovic only for injury to intervene.And how in the world did Djokovic play the game he did in the next round?
Electronic! "I saw on yesterday," begins Krishnamurthy v, "when young Alcarez beams from Damien Omen to the camera with Djokovic in the background on court. I'm sure Joker has to regret to inspire this boy who faced a murderAnother side of Djokovic hatred.
Isn't that amazing?Djokovic found his own vision, the vision behind it, and now he is fighting his way to the third.
And these semi-finals.FA Cup 1990, Italy 90, Germany 06, World Snooker Championship 2020;there are others, but this is a high society in which our Friday is now sitting.Only one, the first, we can say, brought a final of a similar level.
Some numbers: in five series matches, Djokokic ... 43-11;Alcaraz is ... 15-1.Ridiculous behavior in both aspects.
Oh, and in games over 3 hours and 45 minutes, Jannik Sinner is ... 0-8.
So who will win?I think a lot of it depends on who fits, but if Alcarez's semi-final problem is "just" cramping, you've got to like him.He should recover better from this, so the matches may be longer than Djokovic.
On the other hand, if Djokovic serves as well as he can, it will be very difficult to stop him.Alcarez isn't easy against him, and you can expect him to spend a lot of time getting out of the corners, especially on the groundstrokes.But ultimately, Alcarez's quickness on the court and ability to nail winners from any position make me lean toward him.
In the 74,301 years he has been playing tennis, it hasn't always been easy to impress Novak Djokovic.And the man himself knows it, who often balances on the borders of perception, fantasy and reality, his 24 Grand Slam titles cannot replace the basic need to feel loved.
What we all learn from Djokovic, however - what Djokovic himself can learn from Djokovic - is how to go about the always difficult business of loving yourself.He knows exactly who he is, exactly what he is worth and what he wants, that's how he got exactly where he is: in the final major, his 38.
For him to do what he did - to reach this stage for the first time in 18 months after the 38-year-old beat Jannik Sinner, 14 years his senior, in the semi-finals - it was an act of unbelief his size.Playing tennis is very difficult.The habit is repetitive and stressful, as well as travel;A young man at home with the body and the stress of life is universally believed;to risk to win;To enemies who would destroy - trust;respectpassion and hope;A fearless desire to protect yourself;Let's all learn.
In Carlos Alcaraz, he meets a boy who somehow already knows all this, almost as comfortable in his own heart as anyone who walks the planet.His semi-terminal break, he knew that if he remained himself, the universe would eventually bend to his will, and even if he did not, he would still be himself.Nobody, never, is a pretty boy and a killer in any sport, fun and life.that he did not keep the play in such a glorious balance.
Both players are (still) playing for history.If Djokovic wins - and he doesn't get any more chances - he will move to 25 wins alone, one more than Margaret Court.And if Alcaraz wins, even if he doesn't beat the time, he'll be the youngest man to complete a career grand slam at 22 years and eight months, three months younger than Don Budge in 1938.It's about tennis, of course, but above all, it's about everything about being and succeeding as a person.
Ple: 7.30 people, morning 8.30 gm.
