The incredible historical stakes of the Australian Open men’s final: 5 legendary records on the line for Djokovic or Alcaraz
The 2026 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz—their third meeting in a major final and their first outside of Wimbledon – carries monumental historical weight. Regardless of the winner, legendary records are guaranteed to be broken.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, 2026
The Records Djokovic Can Break
• The Absolute Grand Slam Singles Record
Novak Djokovic has held the lead for the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles since the 2023 US Open, his 24th major. In that calendar year, he equaled Rafael Nadal’s 22 titles at the Australian Open, took the lead at Roland-Garros, and pushed the record to 24 in New York.
With a 25th title, Djokovic would move past Margaret Court, who also holds 24 titles in the women’s game, to become the sole owner of the all-time record for singles titles—a benchmark that has stood since 1973. Over the last fifty years, the men’s record has passed from Roy Emerson (12 titles, 1967) to Pete Sampras (14 by 2002), Roger Federer (20 by 2018), Rafael Nadal (22 by 2022), and finally to Djokovic.
• The Oldest Grand Slam Winner
Djokovic will be 38 years, 8 months, and 10 days old at the time of the trophy presentation at Rod Laver Arena (or 11 days if the match crosses the 4-hour, 15-minute mark). A victory would make him the oldest Grand Slam winner in the Open Era, surpassing Ken Rosewall, who set the record in 1972 at 37 years and 2 months. Djokovic famously denied Roger Federer this record in the 2019 Wimbledon final; seven years later, he is poised to claim it for himself.
• The Seniority Record in a Major Final
The age gap between Djokovic and Alcaraz is 15 years and 348 days. Their duel is the second largest in Grand Slam final history, trailing only the 17-year gap between Ken Rosewall and Jimmy Connors in 1974. Until now, the record for the oldest winner in a multi-generational final belonged to Rafael Nadal, who defeated Casper Ruud (12 years and 6 months his junior) at Roland-Garros in 2022. Djokovic would claim this record from Nadal with a win.
The Records Alcaraz Can Break
• The Earliest Career Grand Slam
Having already won Roland-Garros (2024, 2025), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and the US Open (2022, 2025), Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from completing the set. Having become the 12th man in the Open Era to reach all four major finals, he would become the youngest to win all four titles at 22 years, 8 months, and 27 days old. The record is currently held by Rafael Nadal, who completed his Career Grand Slam at the 2010 US Open at 24 years, 3 months, and 10 days.
• The Most “Intense” Grand Slam Winner
Alcaraz is competing in his 20th Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. If he secures the title, he will have won 35% of the majors he has entered, a record for a player’s first 20 appearances. Even with a loss, he would co-hold the trajectory record with Björn Borg, who reached six titles in 20 appearances by 1979.
