The 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park featured outstanding tennis, showcasing remarkable performances from players across the board. Highlights include an inspiring champion’s run, historic milestones, and thrilling match-ups.
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In the men’s final, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic with scores of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The 22-year-old world No. 1 overcame the 38-year-old Djokovic, marking his first Australian Open title and becoming the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam and the youngest to win seven major titles. Alcaraz expressed his joy, saying, "It is a dream come true for me," and he visibly celebrated by collapsing on the court, covering his face with his hands.
The women’s final saw Elena Rybakina triumph over Aryna Sabalenka, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. This match highlighted both players' power, with a total of 63 winners. Rybakina recovered from a 0-3 deficit in the final set to claim her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam win, making history as the first Kazakhstani player to achieve this honor.
In a remarkable men’s semifinal, Alcaraz faced Alexander Zverev, winning 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 after a grueling five hours and 27 minutes. This match set the record for the longest semifinal at Melbourne Park. Despite struggling physically late in the match, Alcaraz rallied from 3-5 down in the final set, securing a place in the final.
Novak Djokovic also advanced to the final by overcoming Jannik Sinner in another thrilling semifinal, with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic saved 16 of 18 break points throughout the match, showcasing his resilience in a contest that ended at 1:32 AM and lasted four hours and nine minutes.
In the women’s singles fourth round, Coco Gauff defeated Karolina Muchova, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, after a two-hour battle. Gauff managed her unforced errors better than her opponent, helping her secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Maddison Inglis achieved a hard-fought victory against Laura Siegemund in the second round, winning 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6[10-7]. This thrilling match lasted three hours and 20 minutes, with Inglis commending her effort in the tense tiebreak.
Stan Wawrinka, in what may be his final Australian Open, defeated Arthur Gea 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6[10-3]. At age 40, Wawrinka became the first player over 40 to reach the third round of a major since 1978. He marked his milestone with 63 winners in a match that lasted four hours and 33 minutes.