2026 Australian Open Finale: Alcaraz Becomes the Youngest Career Grand Slam Champion, Chinese Tennis Shines in Melbourne

The schedule quietly concluded on the 15th, marking the successful close of the 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, which showcased the breakthrough of rising stars, the perseverance of veterans, and the glory of champions atop the podium. Top players delivered consistent performances, with numerous high-seeded showdowns in the latter stages, bringing nonstop thrilling matches every day.

Rod Laver Arena Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

Since 2008, the renowned Swiss watch brand Rolex has partnered with the Australian Open, serving as the official timekeeper for this Southern Hemisphere Grand Slam, providing exceptional service and witnessing the iconic moments and dramatic changes on this fiery court.

Alcaraz Achieves His Goal, Crowned Youngest Career Grand Slam Champion

The men’s singles final of this Australian Open drew immense attention as Rolex ambassador Alcaraz confidently pursued his career Grand Slam on Rod Laver Arena, facing Novak Djokovic, who aimed for his 25th Grand Slam title. Notably, Djokovic is the undisputed king of Melbourne Park, having lifted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup ten times and maintaining a perfect 100% win rate in finals there.

Rolex Ambassador Alcaraz Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

In the final, ten-time champion Djokovic started strong, dominating with relentless baseline defense to take the first set 6-2. From the second set onward, Alcaraz regained control from the baseline, covering the court extensively and delivering a series of decisive winners, turning the match around to win the next three sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, handing Djokovic his first defeat in an Australian Open final with a 3-1 overall score.

Alcaraz vs. Djokovic Photo: Visual China

This victory was monumental for Alcaraz; by completing the final piece of the Grand Slam puzzle, he became the youngest male player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam at 22 years and 272 days old. Winning his seventh Grand Slam singles title also further solidified his lead in the world number one ranking points.

Alcaraz Celebrates on the Ground Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

At match point, Alcaraz collapsed to the ground in excitement. Since winning his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open, he has claimed seven Grand Slam titles in under three and a half years, completing his career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open. During the trophy ceremony, he first paid tribute to his legendary opponent Djokovic: “Your daily fighting spirit inspires athletes worldwide, including me. It’s an honor to share the locker room and court with you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for tennis.” He then expressed gratitude to Spanish tennis legend Nadal, who attended the event: “You have supported me since I was 14. Training and competing alongside you, and winning under your watchful eye, is a tremendous honor.”

Alcaraz Holding the Trophy Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

“Completing a career Grand Slam has always been on my mind every time I came to Australia. This time, I fully committed myself to the tournament, trained hard, and prepared thoroughly to compete and win the trophy,” Alcaraz said at the post-match press conference. “I came this year with more determination and ambition, eager to win and mentally strong. It’s an honor to have my name written in history.”

Rolex Ambassador Sinner Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

Additionally, Rolex ambassador Sinner delivered a classic five-set semifinal battle against Djokovic. The Italian, a two-time defending champion, aimed for a three-peat but suffered cramps in the third round amid the Australian heatwave. After a tough five-set fight, he narrowly lost to Djokovic. As Sinner said after the match, he hopes to learn from this bitter defeat to help him go further in future Grand Slams.

Rolex Ambassador Shelton Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

Rolex Ambassador Fritz Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

The men’s singles competition was fierce. Rolex ambassador Shelton continued his strong form at Melbourne Park, reaching the quarterfinals again; in the “Rolex Derby” quarterfinal against Sinner, he hit multiple spectacular winners and will ride this momentum to unlock more breakthroughs in the 2026 season. Rolex ambassador Fritz returned to the round of 16 after two years, delivering an impressive performance in a classic third-round match against former champion Wawrinka, concluding his Australian campaign on a high note.

Rybakina Returns to Peak Form, Claims Second Grand Slam Title

On the women’s side, the fifth seed Rybakina, who had been in superb form since late last year, showcased her championship quality by defeating three top-10 players: Swiatek, Pegula, and Sabalenka, to win her second career Grand Slam title. In the final against two-time champion and current world number one Sabalenka, Rybakina trailed 0-3 in the deciding set but rallied back to win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Rybakina Wins Women’s Singles Title Photo: Visual China

Rybakina vs. Sabalenka Photo: Visual China

“I still have many goals, and time will tell. But I will keep working hard and hope to achieve them,” Rybakina calmly stated at the post-match press conference. Sabalenka finished runner-up for the second consecutive year, yet her remarkable streak of reaching finals in seven consecutive hardcourt Grand Slams maintains her title as the current “Hardcourt Queen” of women’s tennis.

Rolex Ambassador Swiatek Photo: ©Rolex/Jon Buckle

Rybakina and Rolex ambassador Swiatek staged a thrilling quarterfinal clash, with Rybakina prevailing after two intense sets. Swiatek, who had hoped to complete her career Grand Slam at this Australian Open, will keep that ambition alive for next year. “Winning a Grand Slam is always tough, so I’ll try again next time. I hope to use this experience and the next year’s training to be ready for the next Australian Open,” she said.

Rolex Ambassador Gauff Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

Rolex ambassador Gauff also reached the quarterfinals this year, defeating Rashimova, Danilovic, Baptiste, and Muchova on her way, marking her third consecutive year in the last eight. Her hard work in training translated into success on court, building confidence to eventually lift a championship trophy.

Rolex Ambassador Andreescu Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

Rolex Ambassador Mboko Photo: ©Rolex/Jon Buckle

Rolex Ambassador Stephens Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

Furthermore, Rolex ambassador Andreescu consistently reached the round of 16 in her three Australian Open appearances, earning praise for her stability; Mboko made an impressive Grand Slam round of 16 debut; and Stephens returned to the Grand Slam main draw through qualifying, inspiring many with her comeback.

Chinese Power Shines in Melbourne, A Legacy of a Blessed Venue

Chinese players performed exceptionally well at this Australian Open, with eight competing in the singles main draw and four advancing past the first round. Wang Xinyu surpassed her personal best to reach the round of 16. In women’s doubles, Chinese star Zhang Shuai and her partner Mertens saved match points in the second round and went on an unstoppable run, defeating the 7th seeds Danilina/Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final to claim the title.

Women’s Doubles Champions Zhang Shuai/Mertens Photo: Visual China

Melbourne Park is a lucky ground for Chinese tennis. Rolex ambassador Li Na reached the Australian Open women’s singles final three times (2011, 2013, and 2014) and won her second career Grand Slam title there in 2014. Rolex ambassador Zheng Qinwen made her first Grand Slam final appearance at the 2024 Australian Open.

Rolex Ambassador Li Na Winning the 2014 Australian Open Photo: ©Rolex

Rolex Ambassador Zheng Qinwen Runner-up at 2024 Australian Open Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

On the 20th anniversary of Zheng Jie and Yan Zi winning China’s first Grand Slam title at the 2006 Australian Open, Zhang Shuai carried forward the spirit of Chinese tennis with another championship, paying the highest respect to her predecessors at the trophy ceremony: “Today is special also because Zheng Jie is watching from the stands. Twenty years ago, she won China’s first Grand Slam here. Thank you for all your help.”

Women’s Wheelchair Doubles Champions Li Xiaohui/Wang Ziying Photo: Visual China

The women’s wheelchair tennis event also saw a Chinese storm, with Li Xiaohui becoming a double champion at this Australian Open, winning her first career Grand Slam singles title while successfully defending the women’s doubles crown alongside Wang Ziying. For the pair, this marks their fourth Grand Slam doubles title since teaming up. Having remained undefeated at Grand Slams since last year’s Wimbledon, they are poised to chase a calendar Grand Slam at this year’s French Open!

Men’s Doubles Champions Harrison/Skupski Photo: Visual China

Mixed Doubles Champions Gadecki/Pierce Photo: Visual China

In men’s doubles, the title was claimed by 6th seeds Harrison and Skupski, who defeated the local wildcard duo Kubler and Polmans 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final. In mixed doubles, the defending champions Gadecki and Pierce, entering via wildcard, came from behind to win 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 over the French pair Meladnovic and Gicquel.

Rolex Ambassador Kerber’s 10th Anniversary of Victory Photo: ©Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle

As the thrilling battles conclude and the excitement lingers, the passion and energy of this year’s Australian Open have temporarily paused, but the new season’s journey is just beginning. Rolex will continue to accompany players around the globe, witnessing tennis thrive through tradition and innovation. See you in Melbourne next year!