Iga Świątek, Martina Navratilova and Others React to Carlos Alcaraz’s Historic Win Over Novak Djokovic in Australian Open Final

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Carlos Alcaraz’s breakthrough victory at the 2026 Australian Open ignited a flood of emotional reactions from across the tennis world. After defeating Novak Djokovic in four sets in the final at Rod Laver Arena on Feb. 1, Alcaraz found himself at the center of a global celebration.

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What Were the Reactions to Carlos Alcaraz’s Historic Breakthrough Against Novak Djokovic?

The Spaniard’s 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 triumph delivered his first Australian Open title, completed his Career Grand Slam, and handed Djokovic the first Australian Open final loss of his career, ending the Serb’s flawless 10-0 record in Melbourne title matches.

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, was chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at age 38. Alcaraz, meanwhile, entered the match needing only Melbourne to complete his set of Major titles. After dropping the opening set, the 22-year-old flipped the momentum with controlled aggression and relentless court coverage, finishing the match in 3 hours and 2 minutes.

As the significance of the moment set in, tributes poured in from tennis legends, former champions, and coaches. World No. 2 Iga Świątek, whose Australian Open run in Melbourne ended in the quarterfinals at the hands of eventual women’s singles champion Elena Rybakina, shared her reaction on Instagram Stories, writing, “Congrats @carlitosalcarazz What an extraordinary achievement #careergs.”

Iga Świątek on Instagram
Iga Świątek on Instagram

Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker also took to his Instagram stories to share a graphic featuring the Spaniard and wrote, “Congratulations Carlos.”

Boris Becker on Instagram
Boris Becker on Instagram

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova focused on the joy Alcaraz brings to the sport, writing, “Congrats to @carlosalcaraz for your win at the @AustralianOpen and making history!!! That’s always special:). You make it look easy and oh so much fun!!!.”

The 2009 US Open champion, Juan Martin del Potro, shared an emotional message that reflected admiration for both players, writing, “Thank you @DjokerNole for what you did. You made us feel so many emotions again. You’re one of a kind, I love you so much ???? Big up Carlitos!!! You’re an absolute legend ????????.”

Tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted, “Congratulations to the truly remarkable @carlosalcaraz, the 2026 Australian Open Men’s Singles Champion! And cheers to another incredible performance by @DjokerNole. These two are so much fun to watch.”

Former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs celebrated Alcaraz’s achievement with humor, tweeting, “This guy is about to add to his tattoo collection, with a kangaroo ????!!! Congrats @carlosalcaraz….. your smile is indicative of who you are…a treasure and now a legend!!! Congrats #youngesttowinall4majors.”

Veteran coach and analyst Brad Gilbert focused on the scale of the accomplishment, posting, “holy toledo A career grand slam at 22 Escape from Alcaraz @carlosalcaraz amazing effort winning 1st @AustralianOpen ???????????????? ????.”

How Did Tennis Royalty React to Alcaraz Completing the Career Grand Slam?

Former World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic praised both competitors, writing, “Amazing men’s final! ???? Congrats, @carlosalcaraz on adding the @AustralianOpen title to your collection! ???????? Incredible performance and tournament @DjokerNole – Showing everyone why you are the GOAT. #AO2026.”

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The tributes carried added weight when they came from figures deeply tied to the tournament’s history.

Rod Laver congratulated Alcaraz while also acknowledging Djokovic’s lasting impact, tweeting, “Congratulations on your first AO crown and another major title, @carlosalcaraz. Your talent, courage and joy for the game light up our sport. @DjokerNole – what you continue to bring to tennis is beyond belief. Thank you for another remarkable fortnight and for setting the standard we all admire. ????.”

Recently retired WTA star Caroline Garcia echoed the respect shown to both finalists, posting, “Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz ????????????Hard to find words to describe what Novak Djokovic is doing! Thank you for being such an inspiration and champions ????????.”

Former American standout James Blake summed up the moment with brevity, tweeting, “History. Congratulations @carlosalcaraz And inspiring from @DjokerNole to play that level as well.”

Australian tennis figure Paul McNamee reflected on the final itself, posting, “On the night, the better man won…. but Novak couldn’t be more proud of his effort… what a tournament, what a fourth set by the GOAT…congrats Carlos on a career Grand Slam. Your brand of tennis is amazing, and I was privileged to see this.”

By lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the open era to achieve a Career Grand Slam at 22 years and 272 days, surpassing the previous age mark held by Rafael Nadal. The win also leveled his head-to-head with Djokovic at 5-5 and extended his unbeaten record against the Serb in Grand Slam finals to 3-0.

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