Djokovic dominates a one-sided opening set
Novak Djokovic made a furious start to the final, taking control almost immediately. At 2–1, Djokovic broke Alcaraz’s serve and confirmed the break in the following game to move ahead 4–1. From there, he continued to apply relentless pressure, securing another break before closing out the set emphatically, 6–2.
Djokovic did not allow Alcaraz a single break point in the opening set. His returning was decisive, particularly against Alcaraz’s second serve, where he won 7 of 8 points (88%), once again underlining his status as the best returner in the game.
Although Alcaraz produced more winners in the set, his error count was costly. He committed significantly more unforced and forced errors, finishing with 9 compared to Djokovic’s 4, a difference that ultimately decided the set in Djokovic’s favor.
Alcaraz responds with a complete turnaround in the second set
The second set told a completely different story. Alcaraz stabilized his game, serving far more effectively on both first and second serve.
At 1–1, Alcaraz earned a crucial break and consolidated it to take a 3–1 lead. He struck again at 4–2, breaking Djokovic for a second time before comfortably serving out the set 6–2.
The key change came on Alcaraz’s second serve. After struggling badly in the opening set, he won 100% of his second-serve points in the second. He again led in winners, 9–3, but this time dramatically reduced his error count. Djokovic, by contrast, made 11 unforced errors in the set.
Djokovic had only one break point throughout the set and failed to convert it.
Alcaraz takes control in the third set
The opening four games of the third set were evenly contested, with both players holding serve under pressure. At 2–2, Alcaraz made the decisive move, breaking Djokovic in the fifth game.
He consolidated the break to move ahead 4–2 and maintained his momentum for the remainder of the set. Alcaraz added another break before closing the set 6–3, firmly shifting control of the match in his favor.
Final-set drama ends Djokovic’s perfect Australian Open final record
Alcaraz opened the fourth set by holding serve before the match entered a dramatic phase. On Djokovic’s service game at 1–0, Alcaraz created six break points but was unable to convert any of them, allowing Djokovic to level at 1–1.
From there, both players held serve in a tense stretch of games that lasted until 6–5 in Alcaraz’s favor. Serving to stay in the match, Djokovic found himself under pressure once more. At 15–40, Alcaraz seized his first break opportunity of the game, breaking serve to seal the championship.
The final set was evenly matched in winners, with both players finishing on 10. However, Djokovic’s unforced error count proved decisive. He committed 17 unforced errors compared to just 8 from Alcaraz, a disparity that played a major role in the outcome.
Historic result in Melbourne
With the victory, Carlos Alcaraz claimed the Australian Open title, ending Novak Djokovic’s perfect record in finals at Melbourne Park. It marked Djokovic’s 11th Australian Open final — and the first final loss of his career at the tournament.
The result confirmed Alcaraz’s ability to withstand early pressure, adapt his game, and deliver at the biggest moments on the sport’s grandest stage.
👉For a full overview of the final day in Melbourne, including analysis, interviews and post-match reactions, see our Day 15 Preview.
👉After sealing the title, Alcaraz reflected on the moment and his journey in his on-court interview.
👉Djokovic later addressed the turning points of the match and the disappointment of defeat in his post-match press conference.
By Yannick JAMOT – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113291920
By James Boyes from UK – Eastbourne tennis 2017-278.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60596064