'The game recognises game, King Carlitos' - Tennis world erupts as Alcaraz makes Australian Open history

At just 22 years old, the Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz has claimed the Australian Open 2026 men's singles crown, ticking off the final box to complete the Career Grand Slam and announcing himself as tennis's next superstar.

And he did it by beating one of the all-time greats.

The young gun managed the seemingly impossible - toppling 10-time AO champion Novak Djokovic in an exhausting four-set epic that ended 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

With that victory, Alcaraz became the first man to clinch the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open and just the NINTH player in history to own all four major titles.

After lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup following three hours and two minutes of incredible tennis, Alcaraz shattered records that have stood for generations to lift the crown.

The tennis world didn't hold back, with supporters and experts marvelling at what the youngster has accomplished.

One supporter nailed the significance of the moment: "The throne Down Under belongs to Carlos Alcaraz. He came, he saw, he conquered that Australian Open title and locked in history with the career Slam. The game recognises game, King Carlitos."

The number crunchers were quick to highlight just how young he really is: "Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest to complete the career Grand Slam at 22, beating Nadal's record of 24. Overall, Steffi Graf holds the record at 19 in 1988. Congrats to him on the AO 2026 win!"

His relentless winning has some fans half-joking about calling time. "Someone needs to tell Alcaraz to stop. Don't you think it's getting a bit much? Congratulations…" one supporter quipped.

Meanwhile, others are already pondering his legacy: "Completing the career grand slam at 22 is absolutely amazing... if he continues as he is we are witnessing 1 of the games greatest what a player."

What made Alcaraz's win even more impressive was how he fought back.

After dropping the opening set badly - with Djokovic looking every bit the champion gunning for an 11th Melbourne trophy - the 22-year-old lifted his game to another level, matching the Serbian icon shot for shot and holding his nerve when it mattered most in a tense fourth set.

Melbourne has crowned a new champion.

With the Career Grand Slam now secured before his 23rd birthday, everyone's talking about how far this kid can really go. And here's the frightening reality for his rivals - he's nowhere near his peak yet.