(Video) Carlos Alcaraz Confronts Australian Open Officials Over Roof Closure During Final Against Novak Djokovic
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz now holds a 5-5 head-to-head record over former World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
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Carlos Alcaraz argued with the officials during his match against Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, TNT Sports)
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Carlos Alcaraz lifted his career’s seventh Grand Slam title by defeating Novak Djokovic in four sets on Sunday (February 1) and became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam. But in the middle of the match, Alcaraz got upset with the officials.
This happened after the Spaniard tied the scores to 1-1. Before the third set, the officials wanted to close the roof a bit more, though not fully close it. It was done so due to the possibility of rain. Alcaraz was unhappy with this decision and argued with the chair umpire before he had a chat with referee Wayne McEwen.
I was looking and wondering why is it closing? The player doesn’t know that, you know what I mean?
Carlos Alcaraz asked the chair umpire
The decision to let the roof slightly open had no effect on Alcaraz’s game as he capitalized on his momentum to win the next two games and end the match in his favor. The win helped Alcaraz improve his head-to-head record over the 24-time Grand Slam champion to 5-5.
Carlos Alcaraz questions the decision to close the roof at Rod Laver Arena… without telling the players 🤔 pic.twitter.com/V21EAOe8gx
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) February 1, 2026
Carlos Alcaraz on whether he can complete the Calendar Grand Slam
Carlos Alcaraz beat Rafael Nadal‘s record after winning the Melbourne Slam. The 22-time Grand Slam champion reached the Career Grand Slam milestone after defeating Novak Djokovic in the 2010 US Open final at the age of 24. Alcaraz achieved this at 22. But can he complete the Calendar Grand Slam – the rare feat in tennis achieved only by Rod Laver in men’s tennis?
It’s gonna be a big challenge. Those are big words to be honest. I just want it to be one at a time. The next one is French Open. I have great memories there. I don’t want to put myself in a pressure position to have to do it. But it’s gonna be great. I’ll try to be ready, to work hard, to recover and practice well, and play a good tournament in the next Grand Slam.
Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference
Before defeating the 38-year-old, Alcaraz featured in the longest semifinal in the Australian Open’s history. Alcaraz overcame last year’s runner-up, Alexander Zverev, in five sets, with the match ending after five hours and 27 minutes.
Novak Djokovic will continue to push to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Djokovic knew that to reach the historic 25th Grand Slam title, he had to go past both Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. He upset the four-time Grand Slam champion in the semifinals, shocking the tennis world. Although he failed to go past Alcaraz, it at least gave him hope that he still can challenge the World No.1 and the World No.2.
I knew I’d probably have to beat two of them on the way to the title. I beat one, which is great. It’s a step more further than I’ve gone in Grand Slams than last year. Very nice and encouraging, but not enough for me. I’m gonna keep pushing and see if I get another chance.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
Djokovic entered the semifinal without winning a set since his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp, as his fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew from the match, and his quarterfinal opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, after taking the first two sets off him, gave him the walkover.
It was Djokovic’s first Grand Slam final since the 2024 Wimbledon, which he lost to Alcaraz. Last year, Djokovic made all Grand Slam semifinals. Alcaraz lifted the French Open and the US Open but lost the Wimbledon final.
Also read: Elena Rybakina Opens Up on Experiencing the Stefano Vukov Saga After the Australian Open Win
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