The 2026 Australian Open delivered a series of unforgettable finals across Melbourne Park, with history being written in both the men’s singles and doubles competitions, and notable achievements on the women's side as well.

In the men’s singles final, Carlos Alcaraz cemented his place among tennis’s modern greats by defeating Novak Djokovic in four sets, 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5, to claim his first Australian Open title. The 22-year-old world No. 1 showcased both resilience and maturity, bouncing back after losing the first set to outmaneuver the 38-year-old Serbian legend. With this victory, Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam, adding the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to his growing collection of major trophies. It also marked his seventh Grand Slam title and his first win in Melbourne. This triumph was notable not only for its historical significance but also because it ended Djokovic’s perfect 10-0 record in Australian Open finals.

Alcaraz’s path to the final was far from easy. He endured one of the longest semifinals in tournament history, battling past Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-hour contest that tested his physical and mental fortitude. Meanwhile, Djokovic — having dispatched two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a marathon five-setter — became the oldest Australian Open singles finalist in the Open Era and the first player to reach 400 Grand Slam match wins, adding to his remarkable legacy.

On the doubles side, the men’s final brought a breakthrough for the team of Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski. The American-British pair captured the Australian Open men’s doubles title with a straight-sets victory over Australians Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans, 7–6(7-4), 6–4. For Harrison, this marked his first major title, while Skupski notched his second major in men’s doubles and fourth overall, reclaiming the ATP No. 1 doubles ranking in the process.

While the spotlight was brightest on the men’s side, the women’s finals also delivered compelling storylines. In singles, Elena Rybakina overcame Aryna Sabalenka in a tough three-set battle, 6–4, 4–6, 6–4, to secure her second Grand Slam title and make history as the first Kazakhstani woman to win the Australian Open singles crown. Sabalenka’s run to the final marked her fourth consecutive Australian Open singles final, underlining her consistent presence among the elite.

In women’s doubles, the experienced duo of Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai lifted the trophy with a 7–6(7-4), 6–4 victory over Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunić. The win was especially sweet as Mertens and Zhang clinched their first major title as a team and even saved match points earlier in the tournament.

The 2026 Australian Open finals blended generational drama, historic milestones, and breakthrough performances, setting an electrifying tone for the rest of the tennis season.

Darrian Traynor, Getty Images