Tennis enthusiasts across the globe are preparing for a monumental encounter as Novak Djokovic is set to compete against Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open 2026 men's singles final this Sunday, February 1. This highly anticipated match at Melbourne's iconic Rod Laver Arena carries immense significance, with Djokovic pursuing a historic 25th Grand Slam championship and Alcaraz striving to become the youngest male player ever to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz: High Stakes in Melbourne
Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis icon, enters the final as the fourth seed, aiming to secure his 11th Australian Open title and further solidify his record at this tournament. Having already accumulated 24 Major victories, a win would establish him as the undisputed leader in Grand Slam titles, surpassing Margaret Court's longstanding record of 24.
Carlos Alcaraz, the world's top-ranked player and first seed from Spain, is chasing his inaugural Australian Open triumph at just 22 years of age. A victory would complete his career Grand Slam, adding to his existing titles at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open, and would make him the youngest man to accomplish this remarkable feat, eclipsing Don Budge's previous record.
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz: Head-to-Head Record
The intense rivalry between these two tennis giants currently stands at Djokovic leading 5-4 after nine previous encounters. Their matches have been marked by dramatic moments and high-quality tennis, including:
- 2025 US Open Semifinal: Alcaraz emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2.
- 2025 Australian Open Quarterfinal: Djokovic claimed the win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
- 2024 Paris Olympics Final: Djokovic triumphed 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
- 2024 Wimbledon Final: Alcaraz secured the title 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4).
- 2023 ATP Finals Semifinal: Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2.
- 2023 Cincinnati Open Final: Djokovic prevailed 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4).
- 2023 Wimbledon Final: Alcaraz captured the championship 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
- 2023 French Open Semifinal: Djokovic advanced 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
- 2022 Madrid Open Semifinal: Alcaraz won 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5).
When and Where to Watch Djokovic vs Alcaraz Final Clash
The Australian Open 2026 men's singles final is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026. In India, viewers can catch the live action starting at 2:00 PM IST. The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available through the SonyLIV app and website.
For fans in the United States, the final will begin early in the morning at approximately 3:30 AM ET. The game will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Unlimited, with a re-air on ESPN2. Live streaming options include ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, and Fubo, ensuring comprehensive coverage for American audiences.
Australian Open 2026: Prize Money Details
Tennis Australia has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the 2026 Australian Open, totaling approximately $74.9 million USD. This represents a substantial 16% increase compared to the previous year's event, highlighting the tournament's growing prestige and financial commitment.
The champion of this final showdown will receive approximately $2.79 million, while the runner-up will earn approximately $1.44 million, reflecting the high stakes and competitive nature of this Grand Slam event.
