AO 2026 Final Alcaraz v Djokovic

[MargaretMcAleer]

Vince,
May I add, Alcaraz played 'within himself'' at the AO, he might of lost that 1st set to Novak who came out like a house on fire, I guess he knew he had to, Alcaraz started adding spins, slices, moving him laterally around the court, and Alcaraz defense was like a ' wall'
In my opinion the best GS Alcaraz played from start to finish was the USO 2025, he was Unstoppable!

 

[Vince Evert]

Vince,
May I add, Alcaraz played 'within himself'' at the AO, he might of lost that 1st set to Novak who came out like a house on fire, I guess he knew he had to, Alcaraz started adding spins, slices, moving him laterally around the court, and Alcaraz defense was like a ' wall'
In my opinion the best GS Alcaraz played from start to finish was the USO 2025, he was Unstoppable!

i actually predicted how the sets would go for both players, over on another forum, i wrote Djokovic would take the first, Alcaraz would win the second and third sets and the fourth would be easily won by Alcaraz.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

i actually predicted how the sets would go for both players, over on another forum, i wrote Djokovic would take the first, Alcaraz would win the second and third sets and the fourth would be easily won by Alcaraz.

Can you give me the winning numbers in Lotto next btw I have already booked to attend the AO in 2027

 

[Vince Evert]

Can you give me the winning numbers in Lotto next btw I have already booked to attend the AO in 2027

isn't that like asking someone to predict the actual games score to each set.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

isn't that like asking someone to predict the actual games score to each set.

Kind of

 

[Moxie]

This was a fairly good final, given what was at stake. Kudos to Djoker for getting there. Sure, he had the boon of great fortune in the 3rd and 4th rounds, but that might also have upset his rhythm. I don't think it did, given his age and experience, but to skip matches in a slam isn't always helpful. Regardless, he still had to face his bogeyman, Sinner, and the way he dug out those last two sets was incredible and an example to anyone: he bluntly went for it. He put it up to the kid and the kid couldn't hack it. That was very admirable.

Started that way in the final, and was behaving well in post-match interviews and especially his great on-court speech after the match until he typically soured the cream a little by saying "I was injured in sets 2 and 3 and recovered in the 4th but I'm not going to discuss that - I ONLY want the whole world to know I woulda won otherwise."

STFU.

I think the first three sets were good, if one-sided, Novak continuing as he had finished in the semi, then Carlos sussing him out in the second and third, and torturing him. Carlos mentioned the word "matured" in an interview - he certainly has, compared to their match last year. And his defence was offensive in the way Djoker's could be, at his best. He was restrained and let his opponent overreach and make more mistakes. Very little trademark highlight reel flashiness. Excellence and elasticity from the baseline. Patience. More aggressive on his service games. The fourth set was special and I thought the game where Novak saved 6 bp's was going to be a turning point, and in a way it was: that was the first really close set in the match, and Djokovic really riled up the crowd after the 4-all game, . He even forced a break point, then we saw the definition of "matured". Carlos stayed sane, and romped home.

He's great, and tennis is in good hands. Look at the respect between them, and then Rafa getting a lot of love from both in the box, and the general camaraderie and respect between top players in our sport, while they battle like alleycats for every point, it's a pleasure to see. I never liked the antics of McEnroe and any other so-called bad boys. There's a lot to dislike in Djokovic and his violent on court antics and other stuff off court too - but he's playing the role of benevolent elder really well.

Apart from the malodorous stink-bomb post-match interview...

I'm still catching up on what I missed over the last few rounds of the tournament, but I did listen to Novak's presser after the final. In fairness, he didn't say he was injured, but he heavily implied that something happened. ("I insist. No, I INSIST, I'm not going to talk about it." And he's the one who said it.) Maybe he meant merely that he lost energy, which could be age, and a consequence of having played a 5-setter v. Sinner, but he DID imply he wasn't 100%, whatever he ran up against.

But to this point, I'm going to say: As the Big 3 aged, particularly Federer, even his fans began to say, "He'll need some luck," meaning in the draw, etc. Djokovic didn't get the luck in the draw, in that he was likely going to have to face both Sinner and Alcaraz, which came to be. But he DID get some luck, which he copped to in the presser, than he had a walkover and a retirement, prior to playing Sinner. You say that that can be disruptive of rhythm, but I think you're being generous. Djokovic often doesn't even play tune-ups before Majors. He knows how to be ready. At this age, he needs more rest than rhythm, IMO.

I do think he's coming up with strategies for playing Sinner and Alcaraz, and they have done some good. I don't think Sinner ever looked like a world-beater, this tournament, tbh, what I saw. But Novak beat him, and in 5, which is impressive. And he came out playing one of the best sets of the last few years, as he rightly said, against Alcaraz. But he couldn't keep it up. I have to think this is a function of age, and maybe that's what he was alluding to.

In any case, with so many stars aligning for him, if not all, he still couldn't close the deal, at his best Major. Some folks may think this is being sour on him. @Jelenafan seems to think it's unfair to think he's done. Well, I'll be very surprised if he wins another Major, and I've stated my reasons.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'm still catching up on what I missed over the last few rounds of the tournament, but I did listen to Novak's presser after the final. In fairness, he didn't say he was injured, but he heavily implied that something happened. ("I insist. No, I INSIST, I'm not going to talk about it." And he's the one who said it.) Maybe he meant merely that he lost energy, which could be age, and a consequence of having played a 5-setter v. Sinner, but he DID imply he wasn't 100%, whatever he ran up against.

But to this point, I'm going to say: As the Big 3 aged, particularly Federer, even his fans began to say, "He'll need some luck," meaning in the draw, etc. Djokovic didn't get the luck in the draw, in that he was likely going to have to face both Sinner and Alcaraz, which came to be. But he DID get some luck, which he copped to in the presser, than he had a walkover and a retirement, prior to playing Sinner. You say that that can be disruptive of rhythm, but I think you're being generous. Djokovic often doesn't even play tune-ups before Majors. He knows how to be ready. At this age, he needs more rest than rhythm, IMO.

I do think he's coming up with strategies for playing Sinner and Alcaraz, and they have done some good. I don't think Sinner ever looked like a world-beater, this tournament, tbh, what I saw. But Novak beat him, and in 5, which is impressive. And he came out playing one of the best sets of the last few years, as he rightly said, against Alcaraz. But he couldn't keep it up. I have to think this is a function of age, and maybe that's what he was alluding to.

In any case, with so many stars aligning for him, if not all, he still couldn't close the deal, at his best Major. Some folks may think this is being sour on him. @Jelenafan seems to think it's unfair to think he's done. Well, I'll be very surprised if he wins another Major, and I've stated my reasons.

Moxie

I agree with your comments regarding Jannik he did not bring his best tennis to the AO, he was too passive in his match against Novak, he had enough BPs but could not convert, I have to give credit to Novak
In saying that lets us remember that Novak got a walkover in the QFs and was getting beaten by Musetti 2 sets to love before Musetti was forced to retire, yes the stars seem to be aligning for Novak, though can he expect the same type of lucky draw in the next GS at Roland Garros I doubt it, getting walk overs and players retiring against him, it has not been his best surface even in his younger years. I cant see it at 38 yo old nearly going on 39, you have to be in top physical form to win the hardest GS which is Roland Garros, some say he has a great chance at Wimbledon? I will wait to see if that happens, he was meant to defeat Jannik with ease at Wimbledon 2025, well that came unstuck big time didnt it.
I agree with your comments I would be surprised if he wins another Major, Alcaraz exposed him in the final, at the AO, it was there for all to see

 

[kskate2]

Two things really bugged me about the tournament and especially the final:

I HATE the on-court coaching. Detest it.

And Carlos COACH got a trophy? Seriously? Why? Why? There's absolutely no way to measure that he was the best coach at the tournament, given the raw materials he's working with, but a trophy? FFS. File that shit under what Don Draper told Peggy: "That's what the money is for!!" You get paid - you don't get trophies!

It's gimmicky and both of these itchy irritants above are going to make celebrities out of coaches - and vice versa - and distract from the players in future.

This coach trophy thing has been happening for a couple years. I remember Keys husband getting one last year.

 

[Jelenafan]

I'm still catching up on what I missed over the last few rounds of the tournament, but I did listen to Novak's presser after the final. In fairness, he didn't say he was injured, but he heavily implied that something happened. ("I insist. No, I INSIST, I'm not going to talk about it." And he's the one who said it.) Maybe he meant merely that he lost energy, which could be age, and a consequence of having played a 5-setter v. Sinner, but he DID imply he wasn't 100%, whatever he ran up against.

But to this point, I'm going to say: As the Big 3 aged, particularly Federer, even his fans began to say, "He'll need some luck," meaning in the draw, etc. Djokovic didn't get the luck in the draw, in that he was likely going to have to face both Sinner and Alcaraz, which came to be. But he DID get some luck, which he copped to in the presser, than he had a walkover and a retirement, prior to playing Sinner. You say that that can be disruptive of rhythm, but I think you're being generous. Djokovic often doesn't even play tune-ups before Majors. He knows how to be ready. At this age, he needs more rest than rhythm, IMO.

I do think he's coming up with strategies for playing Sinner and Alcaraz, and they have done some good. I don't think Sinner ever looked like a world-beater, this tournament, tbh, what I saw. But Novak beat him, and in 5, which is impressive. And he came out playing one of the best sets of the last few years, as he rightly said, against Alcaraz. But he couldn't keep it up. I have to think this is a function of age, and maybe that's what he was alluding to.

In any case, with so many stars aligning for him, if not all, he still couldn't close the deal, at his best Major. Some folks may think this is being sour on him. @Jelenafan seems to think it's unfair to think he's done. Well, I'll be very surprised if he wins another Major, and I've stated my reasons.

Wow, the sidelines keep shifting to push Novak to retirement. ; )

OK, he may be done, OTOH he just beat the # 2 player in the world in five sets on HC in a slam SF. You Moxie and a few others have been beating the drum incessantly that he KNOWS he cannot beat the big 2.

I do think it’s unfair to wish him to retire because nonfans opine he’s done. Now beating one of the big 2 and making his 4th or 5th Grand Slam SF in a row is just more fodder to putting him out to pasture it seems…

 

[Fiero425]

Wow, the sidelines keep shifting to push Novak to retirement. ; )

OK, he may be done, OTOH he just beat the # 2 player in the world in five sets on HC in a slam SF. You Moxie and a few others have been beating the drum incessantly that he KNOWS he cannot beat the big 2.

I do think it’s unfair to wish him to retire because nonfans opine he’s done. Now beating one of the big 2 and making his 4th or 5th Grand Slam SF in a row is just more fodder to putting him out to pasture it seems…

It ridiculous & pretty much insane thinking Djokovic should retire, undermining an accomplishment most players never attain! W/ most players on the tour, just making a SF in 1 or 2 events at a major is featured in their resumes as something HUGE! Novak's made 5 in a row, upsetting the #2 player in the world and made another final! He literally had a chance to win this thing if Zverev had gone ahead & finished Alcaraz off in his SF match! That sounds insane and a "big if," but its happened many times over the course of things when the Big 3 ruled! Berdych upset Federer allowing Nadal his 2nd & last Wimbledon title in 2010! There are so many examples of this occurring over the entire Pro Era!

 

[Vince Evert]

Here's the stats, courtesy of flashscore re. Mens final -

Carlos Alcaraz - Novak Djokovic 3:1

ATP - SINGLES: Australian Open (Australia), hard - Final

www.flashscore.com.au

 

[Kieran]

I'm still catching up on what I missed over the last few rounds of the tournament, but I did listen to Novak's presser after the final. In fairness, he didn't say he was injured, but he heavily implied that something happened. ("I insist. No, I INSIST, I'm not going to talk about it." And he's the one who said it.) Maybe he meant merely that he lost energy, which could be age, and a consequence of having played a 5-setter v. Sinner, but he DID imply he wasn't 100%, whatever he ran up against.

It could be an energy dip. I saw him looking about furiously for The Bottle at one stage and then there was panic in his eyes…

 

[Kieran]

It ridiculous & pretty much insane thinking Djokovic should retire, undermining an accomplishment most players never attain! W/ most players on the tour, just making a SF in 1 or 2 events at a major is featured in their resumes as something HUGE! Novak's made 5 in a row, upsetting the #2 player in the world and made another final! He literally had a chance to win this thing if Zverev had gone ahead & finished Alcaraz off in his SF match! That sounds insane and a "big if," but its happened many times over the course of things when the Big 3 ruled! Berdych upset Federer allowing Nadal his 2nd & last Wimbledon title in 2010! There are so many examples of this occurring over the entire Pro Era!

You were going great until you mentioned the 2010 Wimbledon!

 

[Moxie]

Wow, the sidelines keep shifting to push Novak to retirement. ; )

OK, he may be done, OTOH he just beat the # 2 player in the world in five sets on HC in a slam SF. You Moxie and a few others have been beating the drum incessantly that he KNOWS he cannot beat the big 2.

I do think it’s unfair to wish him to retire because nonfans opine he’s done. Now beating one of the big 2 and making his 4th or 5th Grand Slam SF in a row is just more fodder to putting him out to pasture it seems…

This post isn't about him retiring, it's my thoughts on the fact that even though he got some luck, he still didn't win the title. Which is why I don't think he'll win another. It's an opinion. This is an opinion forum.

This post isn't even about him retiring. It's about winning #25. But what bugs you so much about folks speculating on Djokovic's retirement? He's this close to 39 years old. And no matter what we speculate, he'll retire when he does. Do I have to be a fan to have an opinion as to whether or not he'll win another major, and how much disappointment he'll take before he quits? Who am I being unfair to, to say that? Sure, he's been back to consistent serious finishes, and even beat Sinner to make this final. If you're 22-24, that makes it look like you're getting closer. When you're 38, and already closed the deal 24 times, it seems farther away every time. In my opinion.

 

[Jelenafan]

This post isn't about him retiring, it's my thoughts on the fact that even though he got some luck, he still didn't win the title. Which is why I don't think he'll win another. It's an opinion. This is an opinion forum.

This post isn't even about him retiring. It's about winning #25. But what bugs you so much about folks speculating on Djokovic's retirement? He's this close to 39 years old. And no matter what we speculate, he'll retire when he does. Do I have to be a fan to have an opinion as to whether or not he'll win another major, and how much disappointment he'll take before he quits? Who am I being unfair to, to say that? Sure, he's been back to consistent serious finishes, and even beat Sinner to make this final. If you're 22-24, that makes it look like you're getting closer. When you're 38, and already closed the deal 24 times, it seems farther away every time. In my opinion.

Fair enough, but in a general note there has been discussion about how can Novak possibly be motivated to keep on knowing he can’t beat the big 2.

My opinion is that if anything, this win over Sinner in 5 sets gives Djokovic even more reason to continue as long as his body allows that.

Crazy as it may seem to others, I think he actually enjoys this elder savvy player who can outfox most of the younger players, even if he never wins another Grand Slam.

 

[Vince Evert]

Fair enough, but in a general note there has been discussion about how can Novak possibly be motivated to keep on knowing he can’t beat the big 2.

My opinion is that if anything, this win over Sinner in 5 sets gives Djokovic even more reason to continue as long as his body allows that.

Crazy as it may seem to others, U think he actually enjoys this elder savvy player who can outfox most of the younger players, even if he never wins another Grand Slam.

methinks his best chance for GS 25th would be either at the Wimbledon or U.S. Open this year, where the courts are faster and there's less chance of him battling out long 4/5 hour five setter.
To be fair, however, he'd need to rely on another player causing an upset by eliminating Sinner or Alcaraz in the early round, so he gets to play one of them only. I can't see him beating both players in a row.

 

[Vince Evert]

This post isn't about him retiring, it's my thoughts on the fact that even though he got some luck, he still didn't win the title. Which is why I don't think he'll win another. It's an opinion. This is an opinion forum.

This post isn't even about him retiring. It's about winning #25. But what bugs you so much about folks speculating on Djokovic's retirement? He's this close to 39 years old. And no matter what we speculate, he'll retire when he does. Do I have to be a fan to have an opinion as to whether or not he'll win another major, and how much disappointment he'll take before he quits? Who am I being unfair to, to say that? Sure, he's been back to consistent serious finishes, and even beat Sinner to make this final. If you're 22-24, that makes it look like you're getting closer. When you're 38, and already closed the deal 24 times, it seems farther away every time. In my opinion.

Well said.

Now, what if the men's semifinals was the other way 'round, where Djokovic/Sinner was first sf and Alcaraz/Zverev followed them with a 2am conclusion?

Novak would have had 5 hours plus recovery.

Do you think that it would have made the difference in the final?

I do.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well said.

Now, what if the men's semifinals was the other way 'round, where Djokovic/Sinner was first sf and Alcaraz/Zverev followed them with a 2am conclusion?

Novak would have had 5 hours plus recovery.

Do you think that it would have made the difference in the final?

I do.

NO Way, Alcaraz exposed Novak in the final, he would have used the same tactics he did regardless if Novak played the 1st SF

 

[Jelenafan]

methinks his best chance for GS 25th would be either at the Wimbledon or U.S. Open this year, where the courts are faster and there's less chance of him battling out long 4/5 hour five setter.
To be fair, however, he'd need to rely on another player causing an upset by eliminating Sinner or Alcaraz in the early round, so he gets to play one of them only. I can't see him beating both players in a row.

Could be, but You could say that about 99.99999% of the ATP players. IMO I don’t know-anyone in the top 50 that I envision beating Sinner/Alacaraz back to back at this point in time.

 

[Vince Evert]

It is possible someone could cause an an upset vs Sinner or Alcaraz in the French or Wimbledon, that might enable Djokovic the opportunity winning the 25 Grand Slam.