Is losing to Alcaraz better than losing to Sinner? Djokovic's invincibility shattered by two Spaniards stepping up, Ruud becomes a father

Three minutes daily to catch up on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Monday, February 2, 2026. Welcome to the midday news report brought to you by "Tennis Home."

Last night Beijing time, the thrilling 2026 Australian Open wrapped up. In the final men's singles showdown, 4th seed and ten-time champion Djokovic, after taking the first set 6-2 easily, was overturned by top seed and world number one Alcaraz, who won the next three sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, denying Djokovic his 25th Grand Slam title.

After seeing this result, fans flooded the comments saying, "Djokovic played incredibly well this Australian Open; if it weren't for his age and fading stamina in the latter stages, he might have won!" and "Djokovic deserves a huge round of applause!"

Some fans also felt, "Djokovic would have been better off losing to Sinner in the semifinals, at least preserving his perfect 100% winning record in Australian Open finals. This time he lost it himself!"

Among the four Grand Slams, Djokovic, with 24 titles, had never lost in an Australian Open final before—winning all 10 finals he reached there—while he had lost finals in the other three majors. This time, he completed the "full slam defeat," as his perfect record at the Australian Open finals was heartbreakingly broken.

Alcaraz, winning the Australian Open for the first time, became the ninth male player in history to complete a career Grand Slam, officially joining tennis's elite club. He also set a personal record by breaking the youngest career Grand Slam record held by compatriot Nadal (24 years 101 days) at the age of 22 years 272 days.

Looking back to the 2010 US Open men's final, Spanish warrior Nadal defeated the rising Serbian Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 to claim his first title and complete his Grand Slam career. Sixteen years later, his fellow countryman Alcaraz achieved the same feat at the Australian Open, again defeating Djokovic. Fans joked, "Djokovic is being stepped over by two generations of Spaniards, helping two career Grand Slam champions—truly kind-hearted and handsome!"

Let's turn to other tournaments. Yesterday afternoon Beijing time, three WTA events kicked off. At the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi: 5th seed Russian Samsonova performed excellently, sweeping American star Kenin 6-4, 6-0 for a strong start; 6th seed Canadian Fernandez also advanced decisively with a 6-0, 6-3 win over French player Paquet; Americans Keys and Baptiste also won to move forward.

Additionally, in the doubles draw announced yesterday, Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai, an Australian Open champion, teamed up with Spaniard Bucsa, while fellow Chinese player Xu Yifan partnered with Russian Samsonova.

At the WTA 250 Cluj-Napoca: Chinese star Yuan Yue showed steady form in her singles first round, defeating 6th seed Croatian Rusic 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to pass her debut; Bondar, Olinikova, and Tomova also secured opening round victories.

At the WTA 250 Ostrava: American Volynets defeated Klimovikova 6-2, 6-1; Armenian Avanesyan eliminated 7th seed Nao Hibino 6-3, 2-6, 6-3; 6th seed American McNally beat Ramsay 6-3, 7-5; Udvardy and Martincova also won to advance.

Here’s some good news. Early this morning Beijing time, Norway's top player Ruud tweeted that he has become a father. Congratulations to him!

Finally, let's play a guessing game. The picture below shows a player saving a ball. Without any hints, can you identify who she is?

In the last guessing game, fans gave the correct answer. Yes, the person in the picture is Denmark's top player Rune.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: The Maverick)