Australian Open 2026

The 2026 Australian Open was not just the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar. It became one of the most historically significant, passionately contested, and widely watched editions in the tournament’s long and storied history. From breathtaking rallies on Rod Laver Arena to inspiring wheelchair and juniors competitions, AO 2026 delivered drama, narrative swings, emotion, and unforgettable athletic excellence.

Champions of the Aussie Summer

Here’s the official list of winners from Australian Open 2026 across the principal events:

Men’s Singles

Champion: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
Runner‑up: Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Final Score: 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5

Women’s Singles

Champion: Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
Runner‑up: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Final Score: 6–4, 4–6, 6–4

Men’s Doubles

Champions: Christian Harrison / Neal Skupski
Runners‑up: Jason Kubler / Marc Polmans

Women’s Doubles

Champions: Elise Mertens / Zhang Shuai
Runners‑up: Anna Danilina / Aleksandra Krunić

Mixed Doubles

Champions: Olivia Gadecki / John Peers
Runners‑up: Kristina Mladenovic / Manuel Guinard
Final Score: 4–6, 6–3, [10–8]

Men’s Singles: Alcaraz Makes History

A New Legend Emerges

The men’s singles final was nothing short of a defining moment in tennis history. Carlos Alcaraz, the 22‑year‑old Spanish phenom, defeated 38‑year‑old Novak Djokovic in four compelling sets, rallying from a first‑set deficit to claim his first Australian Open title.

This victory was historic for several reasons:

It marked Alcaraz’s first Australian Open championship.
It was his seventh career Grand Slam title overall.
At age 22, he became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the career Grand Slam—winning all four majors before his 23rd birthday.
He ended Djokovic’s perfect 10‑0 Australian Open final record, making this Djokovic’s first loss in a final at Melbourne Park.

The Match — A Tale of Momentum and Heart

In a pulsating Rod Laver Arena showdown:

Djokovic dominated early, clinching the first set 6–2 with authoritative precision.
Alcaraz fought back forcefully in the second and third sets, adjusting his groundstrokes and penetrating Djokovic’s defense with blistering forehands and athletic court coverage.
The fourth set consisted of towering rallies, fluctuating momentum, and clutch play from Alcaraz, who sealed his victory with a break at 6–5.

This final was about more than just a trophy; it was a passing of the torch moment—symbolizing a generational shift in men’s tennis where the young superstar affirmed his position among the all-time greats.

Women’s Singles: Rybakina Writes Her Name in Melbourne

On the women’s side, Elena Rybakina etched her own remarkable chapter. Facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, Rybakina delivered a composed and powerful performance that clinched her second Grand Slam title—her first in Australia.

The Final: A Strategic Showcase

Rybakina captured the first set with tactical precision and depth.
Sabalenka countered in the second with aggressive serving and consistent baseline pressure.
In the deciding set, Rybakina broke early and maintained her advantage through a mix of bold shot selection and calm court demeanor, finishing 6–4 in the third.

This victory was particularly meaningful: Rybakina became the first Kazakhstani woman to claim the Australian Open singles title, solidifying her place at the pinnacle of the sport.

Doubles Excellence — Teamwork at the Top

Men’s Doubles — Harrison & Skupski

The men’s doubles final featured a thrilling match where Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski outplayed Australian wildcard duo Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans. The match culminated in slick net play, timely returns, and a tight tiebreak that propelled the champions past their hosts.

Women’s Doubles — Mertens & Zhang Shuai

In the women’s doubles event, Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai lit up the court with tactical depth and unwavering focus. They secured the title with a confident performance, blending sharp volleying and baseline execution to defeat Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunić.

Mixed Doubles — Gadecki & Peers Make History

Olivia Gadecki and John Peers, Australia’s hometown heroes, defended their title in dramatic fashion, becoming the first duo in 37 years to repeat as Australian Open mixed doubles champions.

They overcame a first‑set deficit with grit and teamwork to win the match tiebreak 10–8. For Gadecki and Peers, this was not just a win—but a statement of resilience and national pride on the sport’s biggest platform.

The Australian Open has long championed accessibility and inclusivity in sport, and 2026 was no exception. Athletes in wheelchair and quad events displayed remarkable skill, determination, and competitiveness throughout the fortnight.

Wheelchair Men’s Singles

Champion: Tokito Oda (Japan)
Oda continued his dominance, capturing the wheelchair men’s singles title with a finely executed comeback after dropping the first set.

Wheelchair Quad Singles

Champion: Niels Vink (Netherlands)
Vink overcame Sam Schröder in straight sets to win the quad wheelchair singles title, adding another Grand Slam major to his remarkable career.

These performances reflected not just athleticism but the heart and perseverance of competitors who continue to elevate para‑tennis on a global stage.

Beyond the trophies and prize money, AO 2026 was a cultural event. Several narratives emerged that defined the tournament’s broader impact:

A Global Generational Shift

Carlos Alcaraz’s victory signaled a genuine generational transition in men’s tennis—illustrating both the depth of young talent and the enduring excellence of seasoned champions like Djokovic.
For women, Elena Rybakina’s triumph demonstrated the ongoing evolution of the WTA tour as multiple contenders vie for supremacy.

Record Viewing Figures

Both men’s and women’s finals drew huge audiences, with domestic viewing figures reaching multi‑million peaks.

Historical Significance

Several landmark achievements elevated this edition:

Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the career Grand Slam.
Gadecki and Peers achieved a rare consecutive mixed doubles title defence.
New records in prize money reflected the commercial strength and global appeal of tennis.

The 2026 Australian Open wasn’t merely a sporting event – it was a showcase of resilience, growth, history, and transformation in tennis. From record‑breaking performances and thrilling comebacks to inspiring displays across singles, doubles, and wheelchair competitions, this edition underscored Melbourne’s unique place in the tennis calendar.

For fans and historians alike, AO 2026 will be remembered as the tournament where:

A new generation stood tall on the biggest stage.
Legends continued writing chapters of greatness.
The sport’s global community united behind moments that reminded us why tennis remains one of the world’s most beloved competitions.