Australian Open: Record-chasing Djokovic and Grand Slam–hungry Alcaraz set for generational showdown in men’s final

History will be written on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz face off in a blockbuster Australian Open men’s final, a clash that pits two generations of tennis greatness against each other.

Separated by 16 years, the final represents more than just a battle for a Grand Slam title, it is a collision of eras, ambition and legacy.

At 38, Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, which would also hand him a 25th Grand Slam crown, moving him clear of Margaret Court as the most successful singles player in tennis history.

Victory would also make him the oldest men’s champion in Australian Open history.

For 22-year-old Alcaraz, the stakes are equally historic. Already a six-time Grand Slam winner, the Spaniard stands on the brink of becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, surpassing compatriot Rafael Nadal, who achieved the feat at 24.

Both men arrive at the final after extraordinary five-set semi-finals that tested their physical and mental limits.

Djokovic produced one of the finest performances of his career to defeat two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in four hours and nine minutes. The Serbian saved 16 of 18 break points, recording his first-ever win over the world number two after five previous defeats.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, survived the longest men’s semi-final in Australian Open history, outlasting Alexander Zverev in a marathon five-hour, 27-minute encounter that has already been hailed as a modern classic.

Recovery could play a decisive role in Sunday’s final. Alcaraz battled severe cramping against Zverev, while Djokovic skipped his scheduled Saturday practice session to focus on recovery.

Djokovic has been vocal about proving doubters wrong after reaching his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2024 and chasing his first major title since the 2023 US Open.

“I never stopped believing in myself. A lot of people wanted to retire me. They gave me the motivation to prove them wrong,” he said.

Djokovic leads their head-to-head rivalry 5–4, though their encounters are rarely straightforward. Alcaraz won their most recent meeting at the US Open, while Djokovic claimed victory in their 2025 Australian Open quarter-final.

“He looks 25 years old physically. To maintain that level at 38, it’s impressive,” Alcaraz said of Djokovic.

For Alcaraz, the motivation is clear. Completing the career Grand Slam has been a priority this season.

“I would choose this one. I’d rather win this one than the other three and be the youngest ever to do it,” he admitted.

Regardless of the outcome, Alcaraz will retain the world number one ranking, with Sinner second. Djokovic is set to rise to third, pushing Zverev down to fourth.