A gracious Novak Djokovic has hinted that his 2026 Australian Open Final may be his last ever, after Carlos Alcaraz defeated him 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Men’s Singles final on Sunday night.
The 38-year-old looked every chance of causing a second-straight upset in 48 hours at Melbourne Park after winning the opening set, but was in the end outplayed by the World No.1, who has become the youngest male player in tennis history to record a ‘Career Slam’ — a championship at each of the four Grand Slams.
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Speaking during the post-match presentation, the Serbian humbly admitted that he thought his days of appearing in a Grand Slam final were behind him heading into 2026
“The last couple of matches gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia, that much love … I think (this is my) 21st, maybe 22nd year,” Djokovic said.
“I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a of a Grand Slam once again. So, I think I owe you (the crowd) gratitude as well for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone six months or 12 months. It has been a great ride, I love you guys.”
Djokovic’s road to an 11th Australian Open Final this summer was arguably his most unique yet, having not won a single set between his third-round win and the semi-final.
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A fourth-round walkover courtesy of an injured Jakub Menšík saw him waltz into the final eight, before his opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired up two sets to none and advanced him through once again.
Unfortunately, an 11th Grand Slam at Melbourne Park wasn’t to be on Sunday night for Djokovic, but the early consensus after his post-match speech is that it may well be his last dance in Australia.
“It felt that way (being a farewell speech),” Jim Courier said on Nine.
“If that was goodbye, that was one great finish.”
The Australian Open Men’s Final also had the pleasure of welcoming back two-time champion and 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal back to Rod Laver Arena, though this time in a viewing capacity.
The retired Spanish great was seated front and centre on Sunday night, and was humourously pointed out by Djokovic in the crowd mid-match to come and take his place.
“I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands. Just a few words,” Djokovic said in his speech post-match.
“Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there (in the crowd) and not here (on-court), you know? But, I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you and here (seeing you in the crowd), it’s the first time for me.
“You know, obviously a strange feeling, but thank you. There’s too many Spanish legends, it felt like I was against two against one tonight, you know?”
A humble Djokovic began his speech by congratulating the 22-year-old Alcaraz, and couldn’t help himself to a joke regarding the 16-year age difference between him and his opponent.
“What you’ve been doing, I think the best way to describe it is: ‘Legendary, historic’,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz.
“Congratulations, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest your career. I mean, you’re so young. You have a lot of (years) like myself, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.
Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slams, the most by any male tennis player in history.
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