Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic score, result as Spanish phenom breaks 88-year record in Australian Open final

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic score, result as Spanish phenom breaks 88-year record in Australian Open final originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It’s young versus old in the Australian Open men’s final as world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz meets tennis immortal Novak Djokovic in what promises to be an epic.

Victory for Alcaraz will see him become the youngest career Grand Slam winner in history in an honour that could start his path to legendary status.

Established legend Djokovic is aiming for an 11th Australian Open championship (from 11 finals) and adding a 25th Grand Slam title to his coffers.

The Sporting News is following the Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz match live, providing score updates and commentary as it happens.

MORE: Australian Open men’s final prize money 2026: Winnings breakdown for AO singles, doubles tennis players by round

MORE:Youngest career Grand Slams in tennis: Carlos Alcaraz keen to shatter Don Budge’s 88-year record at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz final score – Australian Open men’s final

*Denotes server

	Set 1	Set 2	Set 3	Set 4
[4] Novak Djokovic (SRB)	6	2	3	5
[1] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)	2	6	6	7

Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz updates, highlights and commentary

*Denotes server

BREAK, FOURTH SET, CHAMPIONSHIP ALCARAZ – Djokovic* 5-7 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Here we go. Incredible defence from Alcaraz. Djokovic nets. Alcaraz three points away.
• 15-15: Novak comes up trumps on the second point though with a brilliant volley at the net.
• 15-30: Unforced error for Djokovic. Alcaraz two points away from the title.
• 15-40: Two championship points for Carlos. Can he close it out or will we see more Novak magic?
• Break, championship CA: Alcaraz is the youngest career grand slam winner in history.

Djokovic 5-6 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Excellent deep forehand from Alcaraz forces Novak into an error.
• 30-0: Unreturned serve.
• 30-15: We finally have a decent rally. Alcaraz drives the forehand long. Unforced.
• 40-15: Serve plus one point for Alcaraz.
• Game CA: Forehand winner guarantees Alcaraz a tiebreaker at the minimum.

Djokovic* 5-5 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Djokovic wins the first behind his serve.
• 15-15: Novak had Alcatraz on toast but he hit the smash long. Wow.
• 30-15: Alcaraz gets a look at as second serve but his return is too short and Djokovic makes him pay.
• 40-15: Unreturned serve. Two game points for Djokovic.
• Game ND: He stays alive. Are we headed for a tiebreak?

Djokovic 4-5 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz*

• 0-15: Amazing defence from Novak. Carlos makes the error. Is this where Djokovic makes his move? Crows is charging.
• 15-15: Alcaraz steadies as Djokovic makes the unforced error.
• 30-15: Carlos brings Novak in with the drop shot and then makes the pass.
• 30-30: Huge pressure point now. Alcaraz sprays a regulation wide.
• 30-40: Incredible. Djokovic has a break point as Alcaraz makes another unforced error. Can he get there?
• 40-40: Alcaraz cool as ice on his second serve. Djokovic hits long pressing.
• Adv CA: Mis-hit forehand winner for Alcaraz. Incredible angle and dip. Can he hold?
• Game CA:  Yes he can. He is now one game away from the youngest career Grand Slam.

Djokovic* 4-4 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Is this Alcaraz making his move? Djokovic comes up short on the drop shot.
• 0-30: Huge pressure building on Novak. Stunning return from Carlos draws the forced error.
• 15-30: Djokovic digs deep with a serve-winner combo.
• 30-30: And he brings it back to 30-30. Still a pressure point coming.
• 40-30: Three points in a row for Novak. Digging deep. Coming from his serve being so good.
• 40-40: But the legend can’t close it out. Making the unforced error long.
• Adv ND: Unreturned serve.
• Game ND:  Djokovic holds on. His serve came up huge after 0-30.

Djokovic 3-4 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Amazing serve-winner combo from Alcaraz. Half volley cold winner.
• 30-0: An ace keeps Alcaraz chugging along.
• 40-0: Alcaraz makes the drop shot winner.
• 40-15: Clean return from Djokovic off the serve. Right on the line.
• Game CA: Alcaraz holds after bringing Novak into the net.

Djokovic* 3-3 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Alcaraz returns long.
• 30-0: Unforced error for Alcaraz.
• 40-0: Another point for Djokovic. He is making one last push here.
• 40-15: Novak flings the backhand wide. Had plenty of court open.
• Game ND: But Alcaraz’s resistance ends. Another comfortable hold for Djokovic.

Djokovic 2-3 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Djokovic’s all or nothing forehand misses.
• 30-0: Novak can’t stay in the rally with Carlos.
• 40-0: An ace makes it three game points.
• Game CA: And another ace seals the hold. Quick service games in vogue.

Djokovic* 2-2 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Djokovic looking for an easy hold – makes the forehand winner.
• 30-0: Carlos is forced into a mistake.
• 40-0: Alcaraz with the unforced error.
• Game ND: Djokovic holds to love – the easy hold he needed.

Djokovic 1-2 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz*

• 0-15: After the second serve, Alcaraz nets. Is Djokovic building momentum?
• 15-15: Long rally. Huge point. Alcaraz outlasts Djokovic. The legend nets.
• 30-15: Unforced error for Djokovic gives Alcaraz the advantage in the game.
• 40-15: Carlos advances to double game point.
• Game CA: He completes the easy hold – different from Novak struggles to hold.

Djokovic* 1-1 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Alcaraz gets on top and forces the error from Novak.
• 0-30: Amazing defence from Alcaraz and Novak eventually makes the error.
• 15-30: Djokovic gets on the board as Alcaraz nets.
• 15-40: Real trouble for Novak here. He hits the backhand long and it’s two break points.
• 30-40: One is saved as Djokovic moves Alcaraz all over the court. Forces the shot wide from Carlos.
• 40-40: Great fight from Novak. He comes to the net and makes the forehand winner.
• Adv CA: But he falls behind another break point with a backhand unforced error.
• 40-40: Novak wins the point behind an excellent serve although he only just makes the smash.
• Adv CA: Alcaraz keeps coming. This time a drop shot winner.
• 40-40: Djokovic saves with an ace.
• Adv ND: From 15-40, and four break points, Djokovic has a game point.
• 40-40: But Alcaraz prevents the hold as Novak nets.
• Adv CA: A fifth break point for Alcaraz. 
• 40-40: Alcaraz makes the unforced error and misses the chance. Hits it well long.
• Adv CA: Alcaraz keeps coming. Surely the dam wall breaks here.
• 40-40: Serve-winner combo from Djokovic. We are back to deuce.
• Adv ND: Forehand winner for Djokovic. Can he get over the line here?
• Game ND: Saves six break points. Incredible.

Djokovic 0-1 (6-2 2-6 3-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Alcaraz uses his serve to win the first point
• 30-0: He nabs the second as well to take full control of his service game.
• 30-15: Novak claws one point back.
• 40-15: Djokovic can’t return the serve. 
• Game CA: Ace for Carlos seals the hold.

BREAK, THIRD SET ALCARAZ – Djokovic* 3-6 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Horrible start for Djokovic. Double fault. Pressure building. Must hold to stay in the set.
• 0-30: Real trouble for Novak here. He nets a forehand. 
• 0-40: Three set points for Alcaraz. This is not looking great for the legend.
• 15-40: Novak saves one set point with excellent forehand hitting.
• 30-40: Two saved by Djokovic. Wow. Can he save his service again from 0-40?
• 40-40: Incredible. Saves all three break points. The last one with an ace.
• Adv CA: A backhand winner sets up a fourth set point for the world no.1
• 40-40: We go back to deuce. Huge serve from Novak.
• Adv ND: Novak has a game point now. Amazing fightback from 0-40 down.
• 40-40: Djokovic tries the forehand down the line. Well wide though.
• Adv ND: Novak is still fighting. He earns another game point.
• 40-40: Carlos drives into Novak’s forehand side and he nets. Deuce. So tight.
• Adv CA: Fifth set point for Alcaraz as Novak makes the error.
• Break, set CA: Carlos gets there. He isn’t far away now.

Djokovic 3-5 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Long rally. Novak goes down the line and misses.
• 30-0: Carlos hits a forehand drop shot winner. Brilliant.
• 30-15: Novak’s turn to hit a forehand winner cross-court. Huge.
• 40-15: Amazing volley from Alcaraz forces the error from Novak.
• 40-30: Novak pulls a point back with a forehand smash.
• Game CA: Djokovic makes the forced error and Alcaraz holds. One game from a two sets to one lead.

Djokovic* 3-4 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Another forehand winner for the legend. That’s his make or break side tonight.
• 15-15: Amazing scramble net point. Carlos just too good.
• 30-15: Novak puts away the weak return. He is fighting for his life here.
• 40-15: An ace sets up two game points for Djokovic.
• Game ND: Hold for Novak. Keeps him alive in the set.

Djokovic 2-4 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Unreturned serve. Great start for Alcaraz. 
• 15-15: Novak brings Carlos in with a drop shot and then wins the point.
• 30-15: Djokovic pushing the bargain makes the unforced error.
• 30-30: Double fault for Alcaraz. Pressure point coming.
• 40-30: Forehand winner from Carlos sets up game point. 
• Game CA: Alcaraz consolidates the break. Tough one. Close to this set now.

BREAK ALCARAZ – Djokovic* 2-3 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Double fault for Djokovic. Horrible start here.
• 0-30: Here Carlos comes. Alcaraz gets himself back into the point and wins at the net.
• 15-30: Missed chance for Alcaraz has he hits the backhand long – unforced.
• 15-40: This time it’s Novak with the unforced error on the backhand side. Two break points.
• Break CA: Here he comes. Alcaraz on the march. Big yell.

Djokovic 2-2 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Djokovic goes around the net but Alcaraz makes it back. Wow.
• 15-15: Alcaraz hits the forehand long. Unforced.
• 30-15: Djokovic drives the back hand too long.
• 30-30: Pressure point for Alcaraz. Djokovic hits deep into Carlos forehand and the error is forced.
• 40-30: Amazing angle on the forehand from Carlos. Incredible.
• Game CA: An unforced error from Novak seals the hold for Alcaraz.

Djokovic* 2-1 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Drop shot winner for Novak after Alcaraz’s mis-hit return.
• 30-0: Brilliant serve from Djokovic and then sizzling forehand winner.
• 40-0: Novak lifting here. Three game points.
• Game ND: Easy hold for the legend. He needed that.

Djokovic 1-1 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Djokovic tries everything, Alcaraz defends, and then makes the pass. Wow.
• 30-0: Now a forehand winner from Carlos. He is warming up here.
• 40-0: Novak scrambles to the backhand but can’t get the shot back in play.
• Game CA: Alcaraz holds.

Djokovic* 1-0 (6-2 2-6) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Novak drives into the net. Not a great start.
• 0-30: Wow. Straight to 0-30. Another unforced error from Djokovic.
• 15-30: Novak wins the point at the net. Magnificent. 
• 30-30: Unforced error from Novak.
• 40-30: Forehand error from Alcaraz sets up game point for Djokovic.
• 40-40: Novak drives into the net and it’s deuce.
• Adv ND: Excellent serve from Djokovic. Gets the AD.
• Game ND: Novak holds as Carlos misses the forehand.

SECOND SET ALCARAZ – Djokovic 2-6 (6-2) Alcaraz*

• 0-15: Excellent return by Djokovic, forces the error from Carlos.
• 15-15: Novak bunts the return long.
• 30-15: Again an unreturned serve.
• 40-15: Alcaraz slams a forehand winner. Two set points.
• Game, Set CA: Djokovic nets and it’s second set for Carlos.

BREAK ALCARAZ – Djokovic* 2-5 (6-2) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Alcaraz gets the tame second serve but can’t get it over the net.
• 15-15: Novak hooks the back hand wide.
• 15-30: More pressure for Djokovic. As Alcaraz flips one down the line
• 15-40: Two break points for Alcaraz again.
• Break CA: Another break for Alcaraz. Djokovic now off the boil.

Djokovic 2-4 (6-2) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Brilliant body second serve from Alcaraz. He eventually creams a forehand winner.
• 30-0: Unreturned serve.
• 40-0: Huge ace from Carlos down the middle.
• Game CA:  Comfortable hold wrapped by the world no.1

Djokovic* 2-3 (6-2) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Novak brings Alcaraz in, the Spaniard gets there but then Djokovic hits the winner.
• 30-0: Djokovic serves and volleys on the second serve, makes the drop volley.
• 40-0: Alcaraz gets a look at a second serve again but smashes it into the net.
• 40-15: Lucky backhand return winner off the net cord for Alcaraz.
• Game ND: Alcaraz drop shot comes up short. Hold.

Djokovic 1-3 (6-2) Alcaraz*

• 0-15: Djokovic responds with a backhand winner.
• 15-15: Ace for Alcaraz restores parity in the game.
• 15-30: Alcaraz tries to volley the ball going long and he misses. Wow.
• 30-30: Pressure point coming up after Djokovic makes an unforced error.
• 30-40: Wow. Break back point for Novak as Carlos hits long.
• 40-40: Saved by Alcaraz – with Novak making another forehand unforced error. It is misfiring at the moment.
• Adv CA: Unreturned serve as Novak hits it well long.
• Game CA: Alcaraz comes in to pass Djokovic and he can’t get it back. Carlos is lifting.

BREAK ALCARAZ – Djokovic* 1-2 (6-2) Alcaraz

• 15-0: Another plus one after serve for Novak.
• 15-15: Novak smashes a forehand long.
• 15-30: Alcaraz making more inroads on Djokovic’s serve. Gets the lucky net cord.
• 15-40: You can feel this match turning. Unforced error for Novak. Two break points.
• Break CA: Djokovic serve-volleys and his misses the backhand. Here Carlos comes.

Djokovic 1-1 (6-2) Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Carlos crushes the forehand winner. Can that fire him up? He is so flat.
• 30-0: Another quick point for Carlos.
• 40-0: Djokovic just hits the pass long.
• Game CA: An ace gets the easy hold. Will that get him going?

Djokovic* 1-0 (6-2) Alcaraz

• 0-15: Djokovic drills a forehand into the net. Unforced error.
• 0-30: Another unforced mistake from Novak on the forehand side.
• 15-30: Novak pulls one point back.
• 30-30: Long rally. Carlos makes the mistake. Looks so flat.
• 40-30: Djokovic’s serve forces Alcaraz to return long.
• 40-40: Another long rally. Alcaraz finally shows something. Takes Novak out of the court.
• Adv ND: Novak serve gets the advantage and Alcaraz makes the error eventually.
• Game ND: Djokovic uses the drop shot and Alcaraz can’t get it in play. Wow.

BREAK, FIRST SET DJOKOVIC – Djokovic 6-2 Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Alcaraz starts the game with an ace
• 15-15: Carlos flips a forehand wide. Still looks off here. Hard to see him breaking back unless a switch is flipped suddenly.
• 15-30: Long rally. Novak gets it. Too good at the moment.
• 15-40: Wow. Two more break points as Djokovic hits a winner.
• Break, set ND: Incredible. Cleans Alcaraz up with a double break.

Djokovic* 5-2 Alcaraz

• 15-0: Alcaraz hits the second serve return into the net.
• 30-0: Forehand battle – Alcaraz nets. Djokovic well on top.
• 40-0: Drop shot winner for Novak now. Flying.
• Game ND: Comfortable hold completed. He is one game away from the first set.

Djokovic 4-2 Alcaraz*

• 0-15: Alcaraz hooks a forehand wide. He looks off at the moment.
• 0-30: Now it’s a forehand long. Pressure for Alcaraz again.
• 15-30: Novak has a go down the line but misses by a long way.
• 30-30: Excellent serve by Alcaraz gets the impetus and he wins the point. Still a pressure point here.
• 40-30: Service winner for Carlos. His serve is starting to look in rhythm.
• Game CA: Alcaraz drills a forehand winner and he holds from 0-30.

Djokovic* 4-1 Alcaraz

• 0-15: Great start for Alcaraz. First point back.
• 15-15: An ace from Djokovic restores parity.
• 30-15: Novak crushes a backhand winner. He looks imperious at the moment.
• 40-15: Alcaraz nets.
• Game ND: Novak consolidates the break for an unreturned serve.

BREAK DJOKOVIC – Djokovic 3-1 Alcaraz*

• 0-15: In roads in a service game. Djokovic gets a second serve and forces Alcaraz to make an error.
• 15-15: Serve-drop shot combo for Carlos.
• 30-15: Novak gets forced wide, goes for the forehand down the line and just misses.
• 30-30: Ohhh. A double fault for Alcaraz sets up a pressure point.
• 30-40: First break point for Djokovic. Alcaraz with the unforced error.
• 40-40: Saved! Carlos executes the drop shot off the return. Cold as ice.
• Adv ND: A second break point for Novak. Djokovic forces the error.
• 40-40: A forehand winner for Alcaraz saves the break point once again.
• Adv ND: Djokovic steps up on Alcaraz’s second serve to create a third break point. Pressure is on.
• Break ND: What a start for Novak. Alcaraz hits long.

Djokovic* 2-1 Alcaraz

• 15-0: Alcaraz makes the unforced error
• 30-0: Novak steps up to make another forehand winner. Looks on song early.
• 40-0: Djokovic races to three game points.
• Game ND: Clean backhand winner for Novak. Both players have started well.

Djokovic 1-1 Alcaraz*

• 15-0: Alcaraz sends an ace out wide
• 30-0: Novak tries to go down the line but nets
• 40-0: Serve-winner combo for Alcaraz. Races to 40-0
• 40-15: Cracking forehand down the line for Djokovic
• Game CA: Alcaraz executes the smash and secures the easy hold

Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz

• 15-0: Djokovic gains the first point as Alcaraz hits long
• 30-0: Alcaraz can’t get the return over the net
• 40-0: Novak drills Alcaraz’s return for a backhand winner
• 40-15: Alcaraz pulls a point back
• Game ND: Solid serving game for Novak. Comfortable hold

Novak Djokovic to serve – Match start

7:40 PM: Players are warming up – we will begin shortly.

7:38 PM: Alcaraz and Djokovic have both entered the court.

7:35 PM: Players are getting their final wishes from their team before entering the court.

7:20 PM: Sophie Ellis-Bextor is performing right now. Players are 10-15 minutes away from entering the court.

7:00 PM: Alcaraz won their last meeting on hard court – in straight sets at the US Open 2025 semi-final stage.

6:55 PM: Alcaraz 3-0 is looking good value at the moment at $2.82 (Betfair) – Novak saved 16 of 18 break points vs. Sinner – the story could have been different.

6:50 PM: Alcaraz is currently $1.36 favourite to win H2H with the bookies, Djokovic is sitting at $3.70 (odds courtesy of Betfair).

6:45 PM: This will be Djokovic’s 11th Australian Open final – he has never lost one before. The true Melbourne Park end boss.

6:40 PM: Alcaraz is bidding to be the youngest calendar Grand Slam winner in tennis history – hoping to shatter an 88-year record set by American legend Don Budge.

6:35 PM: Novak leads the H2H 5-4 – but will Alcaraz square it up by the end of the night?

6:30 PM (local time): Welcome to Rod Laver Arena for tonight’s Australian Open men’s final match between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

How to watch the Australian Open: TV channel, free-to-air guide in Australia

The Nine Network is the free-to-air home of the Australian Open in 2026.

All key matches will be broadcast free on TV across the Channel 9 and 9Gem channels.

Broadcast schedules will be determined on a daily basis but matches involving Australians and other notable players will typically receive free-to-air priority.

Channel 9 will serve as the main broadcast channel with 9Gem also providing day-long coverage.

Australian Open live stream: How to watch online in Australia 

Aussie fans can stream this year’s Australian Open on subscription service Stan Sport.

In 2026 every match will be streamed live and on demand in 4K, making it the perfect choice for dedicated tennis fans who want uninterrupted coverage.

Stan Sport will also feature tournament shoulder programming including the magazine-style show Grand Slam Daily streaming every morning.