Australian Open: Djokovic survives thriller, Alcaraz battles through

Melbourne witnessed one of the most thrilling days in Australian Open history as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz battled through marathon semifinals to set up a blockbuster men’s singles final.

Djokovic once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest competitors in tennis. The 38-year-old Serbian overcame defending champion Jannik Sinner in a gripping five-set showdown, displaying unmatched resilience and tactical brilliance. Despite facing multiple break point scares, Djokovic held his composure in a match that stretched late into the night, earning a spot in his 11th Australian Open final .

World No. 1 Alcaraz matched the drama on the other side, defeating Alexander Zverev in the longest semifinal in tournament history. Alcaraz battled not only his opponent but also cramps and physical exhaustion to secure his first Australian Open final appearance, keeping alive his hopes of completing a career Grand Slam at just 22.

The men’s final now promises a generational clash, pitting the experienced Djokovic against the young, dynamic Alcaraz, with both players chasing historic milestones—Djokovic for his 25th Grand Slam title and Alcaraz for his first Australian Open crown.

In women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the final for the fourth consecutive year, asserting her dominance on hard courts. Meanwhile, Australian duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers made history by successfully defending their mixed doubles crown, becoming the first pair in 37 years to retain the title at Melbourne Park.

As the tournament heads into its final weekend, the Australian Open 2026 has showcased unforgettable drama, endurance, and world-class tennis, setting the stage for a spectacular conclusion in Melbourne.