What good would a grand finale of a sporting event be if the superstars and the heavyweights of that sport don’t headline the main event? But then again, if the grand finale writes an alternate ending that comes with a lot of twists and turns and if the dramatic closure sparks the rise of the next superstar, then it would be a daunting task for anybody to take their eyes off that mouth-watering contest.&nbsp;Over the years, tennis has revolved around the Big Three: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Whilst Djokovic is the last one remaining and his hunt for an elusive 25th Grand Slam continues, the game has seen the next generation take centre stage and grab the spotlight.&nbsp;Although the duopoly of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has dominated the Grand Slams over the last two years, injuries and early exits have allowed lower-seeded players to capitalise and etch their names in history by capturing one of the coveted big four Grand Slam titles.&nbsp;During the French Open this year, Germany’s Alexander Zverev clinched his first Grand Slam title by beating Flavio Cobolli at the Roland Garros. Zverev brought a 30-year title drought to an end by becoming the first German to win a Grand Slam singles title, since Boris Becker’s victory in the 1996 Australian Open.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harrison-skupski-beat-krawietz-puetz-to-win-maiden-us-open-men-s-doubles-title-1789274185381">Harrison, Skupski beat Krawietz-Puetz to win maiden US Open men’s doubles title</a>&nbsp;Not taking anything away from Zverev’s victory, the German did not run into Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner during his quest to win his first major title. Alcaraz skipped the French Open owing to a wrist injury, while a shocking defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo saw Jannik Sinner exit the French Open in the second round.&nbsp;The world number 2’s struggle to clear the final hurdle is evident from his defeats to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the Australian Open earlier this year, and against Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2026 Wimbledon.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Zverev’s opponent in the final of the US Open, Ben Shelton, has been a total surprise package. The 23-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Round of 16. But the biggest upset was when Shelton defeated a returning Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal.&nbsp;Ben Shelton also proved that he can hang in and win games from behind during his semifinal bout against fellow American Francis Tiafoe. But these results will not translate into another era where three or four big players dominate as Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray did in the prime of their careers.&nbsp;Though Alexander Zverev is trying to shift the balance of the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly and convert it into a three-way dance, the German still has to be consistent and try to get past the finish line against Alcaraz and Sinner at least in the ATP Tour before facing them in the Grand Slams.&nbsp;Others like Flavio Cobolli, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Musetti and Ben Shelton will have to show their mettle by qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Grand Slams consistently.&nbsp;Till then, it will be the duopoly of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that will make the headlines of all the major Grand Slam finals.

Can anyone break the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly at the US Open 2026? A deep dive into Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, and the future of men's tennis.

What good would a grand finale of a sporting event be if the superstars and the heavyweights of that sport don’t headline the main event? But then again, if the grand finale writes an alternate ending that comes with a lot of twists and turns and if the dramatic closure sparks the rise of the next superstar, then it would be a daunting task for anybody to take their eyes off that mouth-watering contest. Over the years, tennis has revolved around the Big Three: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Whilst Djokovic is the last one remaining and his hunt for an elusive 25th Grand Slam continues, the game has seen the next generation take centre stage and grab the spotlight. Although the duopoly of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has dominated the Grand Slams over the last two years, injuries and early exits have allowed lower-seeded players to capitalise and etch their names in history by capturing one of the coveted big four Grand Slam titles. During the French Open this year, Germany’s Alexander Zverev clinched his first Grand Slam title by beating Flavio Cobolli at the Roland Garros. Zverev brought a 30-year title drought to an end by becoming the first German to win a Grand Slam singles title, since Boris Becker’s victory in the 1996 Australian Open. Also read| Harrison, Skupski beat Krawietz-Puetz to win maiden US Open men’s doubles title Not taking anything away from Zverev’s victory, the German did not run into Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner during his quest to win his first major title. Alcaraz skipped the French Open owing to a wrist injury, while a shocking defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo saw Jannik Sinner exit the French Open in the second round. The world number 2’s struggle to clear the final hurdle is evident from his defeats to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the Australian Open earlier this year, and against Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2026 Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Zverev’s opponent in the final of the US Open, Ben Shelton, has been a total surprise package. The 23-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Round of 16. But the biggest upset was when Shelton defeated a returning Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal. Ben Shelton also proved that he can hang in and win games from behind during his semifinal bout against fellow American Francis Tiafoe. But these results will not translate into another era where three or four big players dominate as Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray did in the prime of their careers. Though Alexander Zverev is trying to shift the balance of the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly and convert it into a three-way dance, the German still has to be consistent and try to get past the finish line against Alcaraz and Sinner at least in the ATP Tour before facing them in the Grand Slams. Others like Flavio Cobolli, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Musetti and Ben Shelton will have to show their mettle by qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Grand Slams consistently. Till then, it will be the duopoly of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that will make the headlines of all the major Grand Slam finals.

Can anyone break the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly at the US Open 2026? A deep dive into Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, and the future of men's tennis.

US Open 2026: Why it's near impossible to break the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly

American Ben Shelton earned the biggest win of his career, <a href="https://www.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/ben-shelton/atps0s1.html">beating Carlos Alcaraz 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(10–7)</a> in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday (Sep 9) in the US Open 2026 quarterfinals. With his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, the US soccer star, in attendance and the crowd chanting "Let's go, Ben" well past midnight in New York City, Shelton rose to the occasion and sealed a spot in the final four of the year's last Grand Slam. Shelton will face fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe - who beat No. 46 Alex Michelsen, also an American, in the quarterfinals - ensuring the presence of an American in the final.<h2>Shelton overcomes Alcaraz in five-set thriller</h2>The first set between Shelton and defending champion Alcaraz, who did not play the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year because of an injury, went to a tiebreaker, which the Spaniard won. Shelton was sensational in the next two sets, winning them 6–1, 6–3. Alcaraz, known for his comebacks, won the next set 6–1 to take the match into a final set. The fifth set also went into a 10-point tiebreaker as both players refused to give an inch. Shelton eventually came out the winner, 10–7, to take the match.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">All the credit to the crowd from Ben 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/AZ53MfaD3d">pic.twitter.com/AZ53MfaD3d</a>&mdash; US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://x.com/usopen/status/2097592147037851856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Shelton credits crowd for win as girlfriend Trinity steals the show</h2>After the match, Shelton credited the crowd for staying put for the match, which ran for nearly four and a half hours, saying: "For me, it's always about the crowd. Whether it's my coaches or my team, all my family and friends over here, or the City of New York tonight that showed up till 3 a.m. with the USA chants until the very end, that's what kept me going and that's what got me this win tonight."&nbsp;Ben's girlfriend Trinity, daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), was also in attendance and stole the show with her orange hat and patterned Adidas jacket.

Trinity Rodman cheers for boyfriend Ben Shelton at US Open 2026 QF

Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the US Open semifinals. Cheered on past 3 a.m. by the NYC crowd and girlfriend Trinity Rodman, he faces Frances Tiafoe next.

American Ben Shelton earned the biggest win of his career, beating Carlos Alcaraz 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(10–7) in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday (Sep 9) in the US Open 2026 quarterfinals. With his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, the US soccer star, in attendance and the crowd chanting "Let's go, Ben" well past midnight in New York City, Shelton rose to the occasion and sealed a spot in the final four of the year's last Grand Slam. Shelton will face fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe - who beat No. 46 Alex Michelsen, also an American, in the quarterfinals - ensuring the presence of an American in the final. Shelton overcomes Alcaraz in five-set thriller The first set between Shelton and defending champion Alcaraz, who did not play the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year because of an injury, went to a tiebreaker, which the Spaniard won. Shelton was sensational in the next two sets, winning them 6–1, 6–3. Alcaraz, known for his comebacks, won the next set 6–1 to take the match into a final set. The fifth set also went into a 10-point tiebreaker as both players refused to give an inch. Shelton eventually came out the winner, 10–7, to take the match.

Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the US Open semifinals. Cheered on past 3 a.m. by the NYC crowd and girlfriend Trinity Rodman, he faces Frances Tiafoe next.

US Open 2026: 'Let's go, Ben' - Shelton beats Alcaraz in five-set QF thriller before roaring NYC crowd and girlfriend Trinity Rodman

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz posted his most convincing win in his injury return at the US Open, downing Tommy Paul in straight sets on Sunday to line up a quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton. Two-time women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, booking a last-eight date with Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova. Second-seeded Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since he was sidelined by a right wrist injury in April, looked closer to his brilliant best in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Paul, the 20th-seeded American who posed the Spaniard's sternest test yet.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alexander-zverev-beats-alejandro-tabilo-us-open-fourth-round-1788680367665">Top seed Zverev beats Tabilo in straight sets to reach US Open fourth round</a>"I played my game," said Alcaraz, who unleashed 33 winners as he moved fluidly around the court, thwarting Paul at every turn in the two-hour 20-minute match.He'll face red-hot Shelton -- a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 winner over Stefanos Tsitsipas -- for a place in the semi-finals."I tried to play my style," Alcaraz said. "Tommy is such a talented player. His shots are pretty dangerous and sometimes it's really difficult to control the ball when it comes to you."I just tried to be ready for a battle and tried to be aggressive all the time."Alcaraz grabbed the first break of the contest in the final game of a tight first set.From there he was in control. He broke Paul twice in the second set and again early in the third.He finished it off with a gutsy hold of serve in which he saved a pair of break points, the second with a swinging forehand volley that he followed with a forehand winner to set up the only match point he needed."I'm really happy with the performance today," Alcaraz said.Shelton, who needed four sets in each of his first three matches, raised his game to dismantle former world number three Tsitsipas in just one hour and 52 minutes.The American, riding high after a strong August that included a title at the ATP Montreal Masters, blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point."I played a complete match from start to finish," said Shelton, who was looking forward to taking on Alcaraz."I think the level that he's been playing at is really, really impressive. To not play for five months then do what he's done so far this tournament has been super-human.""I think it's going to be fireworks on Tuesday night," Shelton said.<h2>Sabalenka on track</h2>Sabalenka kept her bid for a rare US Open three-peat on track with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over American Taylor Townsend.The Belarusian, whose world number one ranking is on the line in New York, will face a tough quarter-final against sixth-ranked Czech Noskova, who edged dangerous Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.Sabalenka needed all of her resolve against the multi-faceted Townsend, whose blistering service returns and net prowess flummoxed the Belarusian star in a first set that opened with five breaks of serve.But her sustained power and precision proved too much and after falling behind 3-1 in the second set she won the last five games to seal the match."I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball," Sabalenka said."I'm happy that I was able to turn around that second set."Noskova needed six match points to seal her victory over Kostyuk, failing to convert two in the second set."I am more than relieved," Noskova said. "This match was so tough, emotionally more so than physically."American Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed who has twice reached the semi-finals in Flushing Meadows, booked his quarter-final berth with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) victory over former champion Daniil Medvedev."Hell of a match," Tiafoe said. "I played well when it counted."Tiafoe will face compatriot Alex Michelsen for a place in the semi-finals. Michelsen defeated Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-4.Women's third seed Jessica Pegula also advanced the US cause. Pegula, one of the players with a chance to supplant Sabalenka atop the rankings in New York, reached the last eight with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Romanian Sorana Cirstea.

Second-seeded Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since he was sidelined by a right wrist injury in April, looked closer to his brilliant best in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Paul, the 20th-seeded American.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz posted his most convincing win in his injury return at the US Open, downing Tommy Paul in straight sets on Sunday to line up a quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton. Two-time women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, booking a last-eight date with Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova. Second-seeded Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since he was sidelined by a right wrist injury in April, looked closer to his brilliant best in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Paul, the 20th-seeded American who posed the Spaniard's sternest test yet. Also Read - Top seed Zverev beats Tabilo in straight sets to reach US Open fourth round "I played my game," said Alcaraz, who unleashed 33 winners as he moved fluidly around the court, thwarting Paul at every turn in the two-hour 20-minute match. He'll face red-hot Shelton -- a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 winner over Stefanos Tsitsipas -- for a place in the semi-finals. "I tried to play my style," Alcaraz said. "Tommy is such a talented player. His shots are pretty dangerous and sometimes it's really difficult to control the ball when it comes to you. "I just tried to be ready for a battle and tried to be aggressive all the time." Alcaraz grabbed the first break of the contest in the final game of a tight first set. From there he was in control. He broke Paul twice in the second set and again early in the third. He finished it off with a gutsy hold of serve in which he saved a pair of break points, the second with a swinging forehand volley that he followed with a forehand winner to set up the only match point he needed. "I'm really happy with the performance today," Alcaraz said. Shelton, who needed four sets in each of his first three matches, raised his game to dismantle former world number three Tsitsipas in just one hour and 52 minutes. The American, riding high after a strong August that included a title at the ATP Montreal Masters, blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point. "I played a complete match from start to finish," said Shelton, who was looking forward to taking on Alcaraz. "I think the level that he's been playing at is really, really impressive. To not play for five months then do what he's done so far this tournament has been super-human." "I think it's going to be fireworks on Tuesday night," Shelton said. Sabalenka on track Sabalenka kept her bid for a rare US Open three-peat on track with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over American Taylor Townsend. The Belarusian, whose world number one ranking is on the line in New York, will face a tough quarter-final against sixth-ranked Czech Noskova, who edged dangerous Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. Sabalenka needed all of her resolve against the multi-faceted Townsend, whose blistering service returns and net prowess flummoxed the Belarusian star in a first set that opened with five breaks of serve. But her sustained power and precision proved too much and after falling behind 3-1 in the second set she won the last five games to seal the match. "I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball," Sabalenka said. "I'm happy that I was able to turn around that second set." Noskova needed six match points to seal her victory over Kostyuk, failing to convert two in the second set. "I am more than relieved," Noskova said. "This match was so tough, emotionally more so than physically." American Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed who has twice reached the semi-finals in Flushing Meadows, booked his quarter-final berth with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) victory over former champion Daniil Medvedev. "Hell of a match," Tiafoe said. "I played well when it counted." Tiafoe will face compatriot Alex Michelsen for a place in the semi-finals. Michelsen defeated Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-4. Women's third seed Jessica Pegula also advanced the US cause. Pegula, one of the players with a chance to supplant Sabalenka atop the rankings in New York, reached the last eight with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Romanian Sorana Cirstea.

Second-seeded Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since he was sidelined by a right wrist injury in April, looked closer to his brilliant best in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Paul, the 20th-seeded American.

US Open 2026: Alcaraz faces Shelton in quarter-finals, Sabalenka sets up Nosakova clash

Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday as tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffered an agonising defeat on their long-awaited return to Grand Slam doubles. Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the fourth round while Sabalenka was similarly dominant in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Kamilla Rakhimova. &nbsp;Alcaraz will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-auger-aliassime-out-but-swiatek-osaka-and-gauff-advance-into-third-round-1788489742697">US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round</a> &nbsp;"The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot -- forehand, backhand," Alcaraz said of Wu. "His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it's really difficult to control sometimes. &nbsp;"But I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart in the toughest moments." &nbsp;Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games, and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third, the Spaniard rolled home. &nbsp;"I think my level is really good," he said. "I've got into the rhythm of the competition. I'm getting there." &nbsp;World number one Sabalenka didn't face a break point in her dismissal of Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces. The numbers didn't tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest. Sabalenka was also unimpressed by the pervasive smell of marijuana -- an increasingly common issue at the US Open -- wafting down from the stands during her match. &nbsp;"It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," said Sabalenka, who at one point complained to the umpire about the issue. &nbsp;Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.<h2>Williams sisters lose thriller</h2>With Alcaraz and Sabalenka among the early starters, all eyes on the evening session were on the Williams sisters, partnering in a Grand Slam doubles event for the first time since 2022. &nbsp;The duo's return to the US Open stage comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena came out of a four-year retirement to play at Wimbledon. &nbsp;But the most famous sister act in tennis -- who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals -- were beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7) by 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan and Australia's Maya Joint in a marathon three-hour battle. &nbsp;The Williams duo had shown flashes of their brilliant best after recovering from losing the first set to level the match after taking the second set on a tie-break. &nbsp;Momentum and a raucous New York crowd appeared to be carrying them towards victory after they sprinted into a 5-0 lead in the third-set tie-break. But Chan and Joint fought back superbly to erase the deficit before clinching victory.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reach the last 16, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffer a heartbreaking doubles defeat on their return.

Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday as tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffered an agonising defeat on their long-awaited return to Grand Slam doubles. Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the fourth round while Sabalenka was similarly dominant in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Kamilla Rakhimova. Alcaraz will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3. Also read| US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round "The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot -- forehand, backhand," Alcaraz said of Wu. "His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it's really difficult to control sometimes. "But I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart in the toughest moments." Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games, and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third, the Spaniard rolled home. "I think my level is really good," he said. "I've got into the rhythm of the competition. I'm getting there." World number one Sabalenka didn't face a break point in her dismissal of Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces. The numbers didn't tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest. Sabalenka was also unimpressed by the pervasive smell of marijuana -- an increasingly common issue at the US Open -- wafting down from the stands during her match. "It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," said Sabalenka, who at one point complained to the umpire about the issue. Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3. Williams sisters lose thriller With Alcaraz and Sabalenka among the early starters, all eyes on the evening session were on the Williams sisters, partnering in a Grand Slam doubles event for the first time since 2022. The duo's return to the US Open stage comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena came out of a four-year retirement to play at Wimbledon. But the most famous sister act in tennis -- who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals -- were beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7) by 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan and Australia's Maya Joint in a marathon three-hour battle. The Williams duo had shown flashes of their brilliant best after recovering from losing the first set to level the match after taking the second set on a tie-break. Momentum and a raucous New York crowd appeared to be carrying them towards victory after they sprinted into a 5-0 lead in the third-set tie-break. But Chan and Joint fought back superbly to erase the deficit before clinching victory.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reach the last 16, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffer a heartbreaking doubles defeat on their return.

US Open 2026: Alcaraz & Sabalenka reach last 16 as Williams sisters fall in doubles thriller

Carlos Alcaraz got off to a sluggish start but stormed home, and Aryna Sabalenka was in control all the way as the defending champions led a stream of contenders into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sideliines in April, got off to a sluggish start but finished in convincing fashion in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria of Portugal.Alcaraz won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-retirement-argentina-football-matches-to-halt-in-tribute-to-legend-1788417815400">Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend</a>He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin, but took some time to find his range against the big-serving Faria, who claimed the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand.He made the break stand up to take the set, but Alcaraz stepped up his intensity and Faria folded under the pressure."Tough match for me," Alcaraz said, adding that after failing to convert an early break point he briefly lost his composure."After that I was in a rush. I did't take time, I wasn't patient and that obviously cost me the break," he said. "I tried to stay calm ... think good things are going to happen again."Meanwhile a ruthless Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko that lasted just 53 minutes.Sabalenka, without a title since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March, delivered 24 winners, showcasing her power from the baseline and an effective touch at the net.She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken just once to give Iatcenko her only game of the second set. Sabalenka responded by winning the next three to secure the win."Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus," said Sabalenka, who will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for place in the round of 16.Jessica Pegula and former champion Daniil Medvedev also raced into the third round.World number three Pegula needed just 56 minutes to trounce Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion now ranked 110th, 6-3, 6-1.Seventh-seeded Medvedev downed US wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.Pegula, who is among a trio of players who could supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York, dropped just seven points on serve."I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do," said the 2024 US Open runner-up, who next meets another former finalist in Canadian Leylah Fernandez - a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1.Medvedev, who has struggled in the hard court build-up to the year's final Grand Slam, dominated 731st-ranked Gorzny.<h2>Battle to the end</h2>Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton prevailed in a tense "battle to the end" with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.His 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe also advanced holding off Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.Another American tipped as a contender -- in-form 16th-seed Brandon Nakashima -- bowed out, upset by 46th-ranked compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.Argentina's Mariano Navone backed up his epic five-set upset of Serbian star Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Italian Matteo Berrettini.Outside the covered confines of Ashe and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, rain again disrupted play.Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur finally got his campaign underway in a match postponed from Tuesday but had to wait out another mid-match rain delay on the way to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Italian Andrea Guerrieri.Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete of China pulled off a first-round upset, stunning 12th-seeded Spaniard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.Jodar committed 37 unforced errors with just 15 winners in a humbling defeat for the 19-year rising ATP star, who won the ATP title in Marrakech this year and reached the final in Washington and the semis in Montreal recent weeks.

Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Jaime Faria in four sets while Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a 53-minute win, leading contenders Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev through.

Carlos Alcaraz got off to a sluggish start but stormed home, and Aryna Sabalenka was in control all the way as the defending champions led a stream of contenders into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sideliines in April, got off to a sluggish start but finished in convincing fashion in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria of Portugal. Alcaraz won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Also Read - Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin, but took some time to find his range against the big-serving Faria, who claimed the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand. He made the break stand up to take the set, but Alcaraz stepped up his intensity and Faria folded under the pressure. "Tough match for me," Alcaraz said, adding that after failing to convert an early break point he briefly lost his composure. "After that I was in a rush. I did't take time, I wasn't patient and that obviously cost me the break," he said. "I tried to stay calm ... think good things are going to happen again." Meanwhile a ruthless Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko that lasted just 53 minutes. Sabalenka, without a title since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March, delivered 24 winners, showcasing her power from the baseline and an effective touch at the net. She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken just once to give Iatcenko her only game of the second set. Sabalenka responded by winning the next three to secure the win. "Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus," said Sabalenka, who will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for place in the round of 16. Jessica Pegula and former champion Daniil Medvedev also raced into the third round. World number three Pegula needed just 56 minutes to trounce Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion now ranked 110th, 6-3, 6-1. Seventh-seeded Medvedev downed US wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. Pegula, who is among a trio of players who could supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York, dropped just seven points on serve. "I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do," said the 2024 US Open runner-up, who next meets another former finalist in Canadian Leylah Fernandez - a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1. Medvedev, who has struggled in the hard court build-up to the year's final Grand Slam, dominated 731st-ranked Gorzny. Battle to the end Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton prevailed in a tense "battle to the end" with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5. His 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe also advanced holding off Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5. Another American tipped as a contender -- in-form 16th-seed Brandon Nakashima -- bowed out, upset by 46th-ranked compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Argentina's Mariano Navone backed up his epic five-set upset of Serbian star Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Italian Matteo Berrettini. Outside the covered confines of Ashe and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, rain again disrupted play. Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur finally got his campaign underway in a match postponed from Tuesday but had to wait out another mid-match rain delay on the way to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Italian Andrea Guerrieri. Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete of China pulled off a first-round upset, stunning 12th-seeded Spaniard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1. Jodar committed 37 unforced errors with just 15 winners in a humbling defeat for the 19-year rising ATP star, who won the ATP title in Marrakech this year and reached the final in Washington and the semis in Montreal recent weeks.

Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Jaime Faria in four sets while Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a 53-minute win, leading contenders Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev through.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz didn't miss a beat as he returned from a four-month injury absence with a straight-sets first-round victory in the US Open on Monday (Aug 31). Out of action with a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz passed his first test with flying colors, beating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also made it safely into the second round."It's been a really tough five months for me," Alcaraz said. "Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn't decide to come back in a better tournament. It's a really special place for me."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-venus-williams-suffers-first-round-exit-in-record-26th-appearance-1788160905576">US Open: Venus Williams suffers first-round exit in record 26th appearance</a>"I tried to enjoy as much as I can," he added. "I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything."Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.Monday's performance might not have been peak Alcaraz, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion unleashed his powerful forehand with increasing confidence and displayed his familiar touch at the net."I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure," said Alcaraz, who said he was most proud that he was able to quell his own doubts about his fitness."I tried to forget everything, I tried to enjoy," he said.Alcaraz's smooth move into the second round came less than 24 hours after ailing Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years, falling in five brutal sets to Mariano Navone.The tournament was already missing top-ranked Jannik Sinner, absent with a bad knee, and Djokovic's exit removed another possible obstacle for Alcaraz, who could have met the Serb superstar in the semi-finals.<h2>Aggressive Sabalenka</h2>Sabalenka's bid for a rare US Open three-peat comes amid a worrying drop in form, but the Belarusian star rose to the occasion in a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio.She was slowed by 23 unforced errors but belted 32 winners to more than compensate, her thunderous groundstrokes proving enough to see off a counter-punching opponent who stepped up her game in the second set."She brought the fight," Sabalenka said. "She battled really well and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible."I think I played great. She's a tough opponent, makes you work really hard to get every point, so I'm happy that I was able to close the match in straight sets," she added.Sabalenka hasn't reached a final since capturing the prestigious "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami back in March.Poland's six-time Grand Slam singles champion Iga Swiatek sailed into the second round with a straight sets victory over China's Wang Xiyu.Eighth-seeded Swiatek, who defeated Sabalenka on the way to her lone US Open triumph in 2022, eased past Wang 6-2, 6-3 in 1hr 28min."It was a good day in the office," Swiatek said afterwards. "I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity. I want to keep it that way."Elsewhere Frenchman Arthur Fils, flying high after his first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati, was brought back to earth by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-4.Tsitsipas bagged his first win over 22-year-old Fis in six encounters."I am speechless, I don't know what to say," said Tsitsipas, a former top five player who has slumped to 53 in the world. "It's an amazing start to the tournament."With top-seeded German Alexander Zverev due to open his campaign on Tuesday, Monday night's showcourt action on Ashe saw American eighth seed Ben Shelton overcome a rocky start before booking his place in the second round with a four-set defeat of the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor.Shelton looked out of sorts as Griekspoor roared through the first set with three breaks of serve to win 6-1.But Shelton turned the tables to score a 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory in 2hr 35min."Started off with a little bit of nerves tonight, but I found my rhythm," Shelton said.The final game on the Ashe court sees Naomi Osaka, whose four Grand Slam titles include two US Opens, take on Anastasia Zakharova.

Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz didn't miss a beat as he returned from a four-month injury absence with a straight-sets first-round victory in the US Open on Monday (Aug 31). Out of action with a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz passed his first test with flying colors, beating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also made it safely into the second round. "It's been a really tough five months for me," Alcaraz said. "Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn't decide to come back in a better tournament. It's a really special place for me." Also Read - US Open: Venus Williams suffers first-round exit in record 26th appearance "I tried to enjoy as much as I can," he added. "I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything." Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. Monday's performance might not have been peak Alcaraz, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion unleashed his powerful forehand with increasing confidence and displayed his familiar touch at the net. "I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure," said Alcaraz, who said he was most proud that he was able to quell his own doubts about his fitness. "I tried to forget everything, I tried to enjoy," he said. Alcaraz's smooth move into the second round came less than 24 hours after ailing Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years, falling in five brutal sets to Mariano Navone. The tournament was already missing top-ranked Jannik Sinner, absent with a bad knee, and Djokovic's exit removed another possible obstacle for Alcaraz, who could have met the Serb superstar in the semi-finals. Aggressive Sabalenka Sabalenka's bid for a rare US Open three-peat comes amid a worrying drop in form, but the Belarusian star rose to the occasion in a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio. She was slowed by 23 unforced errors but belted 32 winners to more than compensate, her thunderous groundstrokes proving enough to see off a counter-punching opponent who stepped up her game in the second set. "She brought the fight," Sabalenka said. "She battled really well and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible. "I think I played great. She's a tough opponent, makes you work really hard to get every point, so I'm happy that I was able to close the match in straight sets," she added. Sabalenka hasn't reached a final since capturing the prestigious "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami back in March. Poland's six-time Grand Slam singles champion Iga Swiatek sailed into the second round with a straight sets victory over China's Wang Xiyu. Eighth-seeded Swiatek, who defeated Sabalenka on the way to her lone US Open triumph in 2022, eased past Wang 6-2, 6-3 in 1hr 28min. "It was a good day in the office," Swiatek said afterwards. "I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity. I want to keep it that way." Elsewhere Frenchman Arthur Fils, flying high after his first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati, was brought back to earth by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-4. Tsitsipas bagged his first win over 22-year-old Fis in six encounters. "I am speechless, I don't know what to say," said Tsitsipas, a former top five player who has slumped to 53 in the world. "It's an amazing start to the tournament." With top-seeded German Alexander Zverev due to open his campaign on Tuesday, Monday night's showcourt action on Ashe saw American eighth seed Ben Shelton overcome a rocky start before booking his place in the second round with a four-set defeat of the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor. Shelton looked out of sorts as Griekspoor roared through the first set with three breaks of serve to win 6-1. But Shelton turned the tables to score a 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory in 2hr 35min. "Started off with a little bit of nerves tonight, but I found my rhythm," Shelton said. The final game on the Ashe court sees Naomi Osaka, whose four Grand Slam titles include two US Opens, take on Anastasia Zakharova.

Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

US Open: Defending champion Alcaraz makes winning return to Flushing Meadows

The dream team of Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz made a winning start but could not progress to the final stages of US Open's mixed doubles tournament. Williams, often considered the best women's tennis player in history and Spain's seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Alcaraz fell to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Flavio Cobolli of Italy, 5-4, 4-1.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-five-time-us-open-champion-returning-to-arthur-ashe-stadium-once-more-1787639068316">US Open 2026: Federer, five-time winner, is returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium</a>The result means Bencic and Cobolli will advance to Wednesday's finale of the unorthodox competition, when the semi-finals and finals will be played back-to-back."We felt their aura for sure," Bencic told a television interviewer afterward. "It was an honor to play.""Playing Serena and Carlos on Arthur Ashe is not easy," Cobolli said. "So now maybe we take a beer."Williams and Alcaraz had shown strong form earlier defeating the British-New Zealand pair of Lloyd Glasspool and Emma Routliffe.But Cobolli, who is having a breakout season in singles as the French Open runner-up and Bencic, an Olympic Gold medalist with singles wins over Williams, proved too much.Williams was making her competitive return to Arthur Ashe Stadium since her 2022 retirement, paired with Spain's Alcaraz, himself back after a lengthy injury layoff.The pair, dressed in coordinated purple and black jersey-type outfits, smiled as they bantered and joked on changeovers. The audience, which roared their arrival in Tuesday's first round, was a bit more subdued in the second match.Earlier Tuesday, another high-wattage pairing, former world number one Novak Djokovic and four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka also were sent packing, losing to Czech Katerina Siniakova and Britain's Henry Patten in three sets.<h2>New champions</h2>The US Open mixed doubles format features a blend of doubles specialists and star singles players pairing up, sometimes with a bit an experimental mindset.The event, in its second year, will have a new winner after defending champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, both doubles specialists, lost to the Russian pair of Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev 1-4, 4-1, 11-9.The Czech pairing of Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, both highly ranked singles players, realized quickly they had to adjust when they faced Kristina Mladenovic of France and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador, both of whom have won Grand Slam doubles titles."They keep us more on our toes," Muchova said after a quarterfinal win put the pair in the semifinals. "They see the court I would say a little bit different."One first-time team that scored unexpected success was the husband-and-wife pairing of France's Gael Monfils and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.They won two matches in the shortened format, including a tightly contested quarterfinal win over Siniakova and Patten 5-4, 4-5 and 10-8 in the decisive tie-break."We had zero expectations," Svitolina said after the match.The pair only learned late that they had been granted a wildcard and had joked about not winning a game.Monfils, who will retire after this season, said it is still too early for talk about winning the title, but "we will have great images for our memory."

The result means Bencic and Cobolli will advance to Wednesday's finale of the unorthodox competition, when the semi-finals and finals will be played back-to-back.

The dream team of Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz made a winning start but could not progress to the final stages of US Open's mixed doubles tournament. Williams, often considered the best women's tennis player in history and Spain's seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Alcaraz fell to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Flavio Cobolli of Italy, 5-4, 4-1. Also Read - US Open 2026: Federer, five-time winner, is returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium The result means Bencic and Cobolli will advance to Wednesday's finale of the unorthodox competition, when the semi-finals and finals will be played back-to-back. "We felt their aura for sure," Bencic told a television interviewer afterward. "It was an honor to play." "Playing Serena and Carlos on Arthur Ashe is not easy," Cobolli said. "So now maybe we take a beer." Williams and Alcaraz had shown strong form earlier defeating the British-New Zealand pair of Lloyd Glasspool and Emma Routliffe. But Cobolli, who is having a breakout season in singles as the French Open runner-up and Bencic, an Olympic Gold medalist with singles wins over Williams, proved too much. Williams was making her competitive return to Arthur Ashe Stadium since her 2022 retirement, paired with Spain's Alcaraz, himself back after a lengthy injury layoff. The pair, dressed in coordinated purple and black jersey-type outfits, smiled as they bantered and joked on changeovers. The audience, which roared their arrival in Tuesday's first round, was a bit more subdued in the second match. Earlier Tuesday, another high-wattage pairing, former world number one Novak Djokovic and four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka also were sent packing, losing to Czech Katerina Siniakova and Britain's Henry Patten in three sets. New champions The US Open mixed doubles format features a blend of doubles specialists and star singles players pairing up, sometimes with a bit an experimental mindset. The event, in its second year, will have a new winner after defending champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, both doubles specialists, lost to the Russian pair of Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev 1-4, 4-1, 11-9. The Czech pairing of Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, both highly ranked singles players, realized quickly they had to adjust when they faced Kristina Mladenovic of France and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador, both of whom have won Grand Slam doubles titles. "They keep us more on our toes," Muchova said after a quarterfinal win put the pair in the semifinals. "They see the court I would say a little bit different." One first-time team that scored unexpected success was the husband-and-wife pairing of France's Gael Monfils and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. They won two matches in the shortened format, including a tightly contested quarterfinal win over Siniakova and Patten 5-4, 4-5 and 10-8 in the decisive tie-break. "We had zero expectations," Svitolina said after the match. The pair only learned late that they had been granted a wildcard and had joked about not winning a game. Monfils, who will retire after this season, said it is still too early for talk about winning the title, but "we will have great images for our memory."

The result means Bencic and Cobolli will advance to Wednesday's finale of the unorthodox competition, when the semi-finals and finals will be played back-to-back.

US Open 2026: Serena-Alcaraz crash out in mixed doubles quarter-final

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to return to the US Open, teaming up with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles event. The high-profile pair have received a wild card for the tournament. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Saturday that Williams and Alcaraz will enter the mixed doubles competition, with the main draw scheduled to begin on Tuesday.&nbsp;The appearance will be Williams’ first at the US Open since 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion returned to competitive tennis this summer.&nbsp;Alcaraz, meanwhile, confirmed earlier this week that he will defend his US Open singles title after recovering from a right wrist injury that had kept him away from competition since April.&nbsp;World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, however, will miss the US Open because of a right knee injury, his team said on Friday, according to the ATP website.&nbsp;Sinner last played at Wimbledon, where he won his fifth Grand Slam title and his first major of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fih-hockey-world-cup-2026-india-suffer-1-3-defeat-to-netherlands-in-second-round-1787417667805">FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: India suffer 1-3 defeat to Netherlands in second round</a>&nbsp;This will be Sinner’s first absence from a Grand Slam since he made his major debut at the 2019 US Open.&nbsp;The 25-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, winning the first five ATP Masters 1000 events of the year in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/building-momentum-to-get-back-neeraj-chopra-reacts-after-season-best-88-05m-throw-at-diamond-league-1787403126731">'Building momentum to...': Neeraj Chopra reacts after season-best 88.05m throw</a>&nbsp;He has recorded 44 wins against three defeats and won six titles this season.&nbsp;According to his team, Sinner will remain in Europe and continue his recovery with his medical and performance staff. He is targeting a return during the Asian swing, with tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai in his plans.&nbsp;“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” Sinner said in a statement.&nbsp;“We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue. I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there,” the statement added.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz are set to form a star-studded mixed doubles team at the 2026 US Open after receiving a wild card, while Alcaraz also prepares to defend his singles crown.

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to return to the US Open, teaming up with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles event. The high-profile pair have received a wild card for the tournament. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Saturday that Williams and Alcaraz will enter the mixed doubles competition, with the main draw scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The appearance will be Williams’ first at the US Open since 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion returned to competitive tennis this summer. Alcaraz, meanwhile, confirmed earlier this week that he will defend his US Open singles title after recovering from a right wrist injury that had kept him away from competition since April. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, however, will miss the US Open because of a right knee injury, his team said on Friday, according to the ATP website. Sinner last played at Wimbledon, where he won his fifth Grand Slam title and his first major of the season. Also Read - FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: India suffer 1-3 defeat to Netherlands in second round This will be Sinner’s first absence from a Grand Slam since he made his major debut at the 2019 US Open. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, winning the first five ATP Masters 1000 events of the year in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome. Also Read - 'Building momentum to...': Neeraj Chopra reacts after season-best 88.05m throw He has recorded 44 wins against three defeats and won six titles this season. According to his team, Sinner will remain in Europe and continue his recovery with his medical and performance staff. He is targeting a return during the Asian swing, with tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai in his plans. “Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” Sinner said in a statement. “We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue. I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there,” the statement added. With inputs from agencies

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz are set to form a star-studded mixed doubles team at the 2026 US Open after receiving a wild card, while Alcaraz also prepares to defend his singles crown.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams pair up for mixed doubles

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open 2026 due to a right knee injury, leaving the tournament without one of its leading title contenders. The 24-year-old won his fifth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last month but has not played since suffering the knee injury earlier this month. He withdrew from the Cincinnati Open and also missed the Canadian Open, both important hard-court events ahead of the US Open.&nbsp;“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the U.S. Open this year,” Sinner said in a statement posted on X.&nbsp;“We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over ‌the ⁠last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue.”&nbsp;Sinner’s withdrawal was announced a day after world number two Carlos Alcaraz confirmed his participation in the tournament following a four-month break from competitive tennis.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diamond-league-2026-live-when-and-where-to-watch-neeraj-chopra-s-javelin-event-1787314132744">Diamond League 2026 Live: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event</a>&nbsp;Alcaraz defeated Sinner in last year’s US Open final and will now enter the tournament as the highest-ranked player. The Spaniard is also among the favourites to win the title despite his recent injury problems.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-satwik-chirag-suffer-heartbreaking-loss-in-quarterfinals-to-chinese-pair-1787319256986">BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair</a>&nbsp;With Sinner out, Alcaraz has lost one of his biggest challengers and could have a smoother route towards a potential eighth Grand Slam title.&nbsp;The US Open will be held from Aug 23 to Sep 13.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has confirmed that he will miss the US Open due to a right knee injury.

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open 2026 due to a right knee injury, leaving the tournament without one of its leading title contenders. The 24-year-old won his fifth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last month but has not played since suffering the knee injury earlier this month. He withdrew from the Cincinnati Open and also missed the Canadian Open, both important hard-court events ahead of the US Open. “Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the U.S. Open this year,” Sinner said in a statement posted on X. “We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over ‌the ⁠last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue.” Sinner’s withdrawal was announced a day after world number two Carlos Alcaraz confirmed his participation in the tournament following a four-month break from competitive tennis. Also Read - Diamond League 2026 Live: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event Alcaraz defeated Sinner in last year’s US Open final and will now enter the tournament as the highest-ranked player. The Spaniard is also among the favourites to win the title despite his recent injury problems. Also Read - BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair With Sinner out, Alcaraz has lost one of his biggest challengers and could have a smoother route towards a potential eighth Grand Slam title. The US Open will be held from Aug 23 to Sep 13.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has confirmed that he will miss the US Open due to a right knee injury.

Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open 2026 due to Knee injury

Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed that he will return to competitive tennis at the US Open 2026 after spending four months on the sidelines with a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spanish star will return to New York to defend his title at the tournament, which will be held from Aug 30 to Sep 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;“HERE WE GO!” Alcaraz wrote in an X post on Thursday and confirmed his participation.&nbsp;The seven-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since April. He suffered the wrist injury during the Barcelona Open and was forced to withdraw from the tournament. The injury also kept him out of the French Open, Wimbledon and the hard-court events in Toronto and Cincinnati.&nbsp;Alcaraz won his second US Open title last year after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final and later went on to win the Australian Open.&nbsp;Despite his long absence, Alcaraz has managed to hold on to his No. 2 position in the ATP rankings.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/battle-against-fear-nozomi-okuhara-reveals-painful-reason-behind-withdrawal-from-bwf-world-championships-1787308467690">'Battle against fear': Nozomi Okuhara reveals painful reason behind withdrawal from BWF World Championships</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has also been out of action since winning Wimbledon. The Italian pulled out of the Cincinnati Open because of a right knee injury, putting his fitness for the US Open under doubt.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-kamil-mishara-sahan-arachchige-join-sri-lanka-squad-for-second-test-1787305975896">IND vs SL: Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige join Sri Lanka squad for 2nd Test</a>&nbsp;The Cincinnati Open confirmed Sinner’s withdrawal on its official X account, meaning the tournament missed both of the sport’s leading young stars, Sinner and his biggest rival, Alcaraz.&nbsp;“Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury. Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion, and can’t wait to see you again next year!,” posted the tournament’s official handle.&nbsp;Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open. At 19, he also became the youngest player in history to reach the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

The Spaniard has been sidelined since Apr 14, missing both Wimbledon and Roland Garros as he recovered from the injury.

Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed that he will return to competitive tennis at the US Open 2026 after spending four months on the sidelines with a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spanish star will return to New York to defend his title at the tournament, which will be held from Aug 30 to Sep 13. “HERE WE GO!” Alcaraz wrote in an X post on Thursday and confirmed his participation. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since April. He suffered the wrist injury during the Barcelona Open and was forced to withdraw from the tournament. The injury also kept him out of the French Open, Wimbledon and the hard-court events in Toronto and Cincinnati. Alcaraz won his second US Open title last year after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final and later went on to win the Australian Open. Despite his long absence, Alcaraz has managed to hold on to his No. 2 position in the ATP rankings. Also Read - 'Battle against fear': Nozomi Okuhara reveals painful reason behind withdrawal from BWF World Championships Meanwhile, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has also been out of action since winning Wimbledon. The Italian pulled out of the Cincinnati Open because of a right knee injury, putting his fitness for the US Open under doubt. Also Read - IND vs SL: Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige join Sri Lanka squad for 2nd Test The Cincinnati Open confirmed Sinner’s withdrawal on its official X account, meaning the tournament missed both of the sport’s leading young stars, Sinner and his biggest rival, Alcaraz. “Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury. Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion, and can’t wait to see you again next year!,” posted the tournament’s official handle. Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open. At 19, he also became the youngest player in history to reach the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings. With inputs from agencies

The Spaniard has been sidelined since Apr 14, missing both Wimbledon and Roland Garros as he recovered from the injury.

'Here we go': Carlos Alcaraz announces US Open return following wrist injury layoff

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Thursday that he will return at the US Open to defend his title after recovering from a wrist injury that has sidelined him for the past four months. "I'm back," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said in a video posted on social media. "Here we go." The Spaniard has not played since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in mid-April with a right wrist injury, missing both the French Open and Wimbledon.Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph, at age 22, at the Australian Open.He added the ATP hard court title in Doha in February.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fih-women-s-hockey-world-cup-india-hold-england-to-goalless-draw-advance-to-round-2-1787241065514">FIH Women’s Hockey WC: India hold England to goalless draw, advance to Round 2</a>But after withdrawing in Barcelona he pulled out of tournaments in Madrid and Rome before withdrawing from Roland Garros, where he was the two-time reigning champion.He pulled the plug on the French Open a month before the tournament was to start and withdrew from Wimbledon almost six weeks before The Championships were to begin.His camp has been stingy with details of the injury, reported to be tenosynovitis -- in which fluid accumulates in a tendon sheath.At Wimbledon rival Jannik Sinner prevailed for the second year in a row, beating French Open winner Alexander Zverev in the final.In the wake of that victory, Sinner voiced the hope that he would soon renew his rivalry with the Spaniard."We hope that Carlos is coming back ... because tennis needs him," Sinner said.Zverev had moved into second in the world rankings ahead of Alcaraz after Wimbledon, but Alcaraz has since regained the No. 2 spot ahead of the German.Alcaraz had been slated to return for this week's hard court tournament in Cincinnati, the last big tune-up for the US Open.When he withdrew it sparked concerns he wouldn't be ready to defend his title at Flushing Meadows, but those fears were allayed somewhat when photos of Alcaraz playing practice sets with ATP rival Holger Rune surfaced on social media this week.Until this year Alcaraz had missed just one Grand Slam since making his main draw debut at the 2021 Australian Open, missing Melbourne in 2023 with a hamstring injury.

The Spaniard has not played since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in mid-April with a right wrist injury, missing both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Thursday that he will return at the US Open to defend his title after recovering from a wrist injury that has sidelined him for the past four months. "I'm back," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said in a video posted on social media. "Here we go." The Spaniard has not played since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in mid-April with a right wrist injury, missing both the French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph, at age 22, at the Australian Open. He added the ATP hard court title in Doha in February. Also Read - FIH Women’s Hockey WC: India hold England to goalless draw, advance to Round 2 But after withdrawing in Barcelona he pulled out of tournaments in Madrid and Rome before withdrawing from Roland Garros, where he was the two-time reigning champion. He pulled the plug on the French Open a month before the tournament was to start and withdrew from Wimbledon almost six weeks before The Championships were to begin. His camp has been stingy with details of the injury, reported to be tenosynovitis -- in which fluid accumulates in a tendon sheath. At Wimbledon rival Jannik Sinner prevailed for the second year in a row, beating French Open winner Alexander Zverev in the final. In the wake of that victory, Sinner voiced the hope that he would soon renew his rivalry with the Spaniard. "We hope that Carlos is coming back ... because tennis needs him," Sinner said. Zverev had moved into second in the world rankings ahead of Alcaraz after Wimbledon, but Alcaraz has since regained the No. 2 spot ahead of the German. Alcaraz had been slated to return for this week's hard court tournament in Cincinnati, the last big tune-up for the US Open. When he withdrew it sparked concerns he wouldn't be ready to defend his title at Flushing Meadows, but those fears were allayed somewhat when photos of Alcaraz playing practice sets with ATP rival Holger Rune surfaced on social media this week. Until this year Alcaraz had missed just one Grand Slam since making his main draw debut at the 2021 Australian Open, missing Melbourne in 2023 with a hamstring injury.

The Spaniard has not played since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in mid-April with a right wrist injury, missing both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz set to comeback in US Open

Sinner is aiming to complete his career grand slam at French Open 2026. Before him, only six players have achieved the feat in open era in men's singles: Rod Laver (1969), Andre Agassi (1999), Roger Federer (2009), Rafael Nadal (2010), Novak Djokovic (2016) and, Carlos Alcaraz (2026).

Sinner is aiming to complete his career grand slam at French Open 2026. Before him, only six players have achieved the feat in open era in men's singles: Rod Laver (1969), Andre Agassi (1999), Roger Federer (2009), Rafael Nadal (2010), Novak Djokovic (2016) and, Carlos Alcaraz (2026).

Will Jannik Sinner join the list at French Open 2026? Meet players with career grand slams in men's singles

Italian Jannik Sinner is unstoppable right now. The 24-year-old, breezed past Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to enter the semis of Italian Open on Thursday (May 14) in Rome - his 32nd record consecutive victory in Masters 1000 tournament. The previous record was with Novak Djokovic who had accumulated 31 straight wins in Master 1000 tournament back in 2011. Sinner is now in semi-finals of Italian Open where he'd once again be a favorite to advance to finals against Daniil Medvedev. Sinner's form makes him the top contender to win the upcoming French Open 2026 which will not see participation from his closest rival and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.<h2>Sinner on a roll in ATP Masters</h2>The Italian Open would be the sixth straight ATP Masters tournament if Sinner manages to win - he already has won a record five tournaments on the trot. Sinner's wins include titles at Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami Open in in March 2026, Monte Carlo and Madrid Open in 2026 and before that he had won Paris Masters in November 2025.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-world-cup-2026-us-drops-5k-15k-visa-bond-money-requirement-for-fans-from-five-african-nations-1778737181178">FIFA WC 2026 | US drops visa bond money requirement for 5 African nations' fans</a>Speaking after the quarter-final win in Rome on Thursday (May 14), Sinner said: "I don’t play for records, I play just for my own story. At the same time, it means a lot to me, but tomorrow is another day, another opponent, a different opponent.""I felt like we both didn’t play at our best today, but at the same time, you know, the conditions here are very tough. I tried to adapt myself in the best possible way, and obviously I’m happy," he further added.<h2>Sinner can make history at French Open 2026</h2>The French Open 2025 final was one of the most epic matches in the history of the tournament which ran for five sets between Sinner and Alcaraz. The Italian was up two sets before the Spaniard mounted a surreal comeback and won the longest final in the tournament history by 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in five sets.Now, with Alcaraz out of picture and Djokovic's body not supporting him fully, Sinner has a chance to become the first Italian to win the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

Sinner beat Andre Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to enter semis of Italian Open in Thursday (May 14) in Rome and surpassed Novak Djokovic's 31-win record from 2011 in Mastes 1000 tournament.

Italian Jannik Sinner is unstoppable right now. The 24-year-old, breezed past Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to enter the semis of Italian Open on Thursday (May 14) in Rome - his 32nd record consecutive victory in Masters 1000 tournament. The previous record was with Novak Djokovic who had accumulated 31 straight wins in Master 1000 tournament back in 2011. Sinner is now in semi-finals of Italian Open where he'd once again be a favorite to advance to finals against Daniil Medvedev. Sinner's form makes him the top contender to win the upcoming French Open 2026 which will not see participation from his closest rival and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner on a roll in ATP Masters The Italian Open would be the sixth straight ATP Masters tournament if Sinner manages to win - he already has won a record five tournaments on the trot. Sinner's wins include titles at Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami Open in in March 2026, Monte Carlo and Madrid Open in 2026 and before that he had won Paris Masters in November 2025. Also Read - FIFA WC 2026 | US drops visa bond money requirement for 5 African nations' fans Speaking after the quarter-final win in Rome on Thursday (May 14), Sinner said: "I don’t play for records, I play just for my own story. At the same time, it means a lot to me, but tomorrow is another day, another opponent, a different opponent." "I felt like we both didn’t play at our best today, but at the same time, you know, the conditions here are very tough. I tried to adapt myself in the best possible way, and obviously I’m happy," he further added. Sinner can make history at French Open 2026 The French Open 2025 final was one of the most epic matches in the history of the tournament which ran for five sets between Sinner and Alcaraz. The Italian was up two sets before the Spaniard mounted a surreal comeback and won the longest final in the tournament history by 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in five sets. Now, with Alcaraz out of picture and Djokovic's body not supporting him fully, Sinner has a chance to become the first Italian to win the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

Sinner beat Andre Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to enter semis of Italian Open in Thursday (May 14) in Rome and surpassed Novak Djokovic's 31-win record from 2011 in Mastes 1000 tournament.

'Didn’t play at best,' says Sinner after record 32nd win in Masters 1000 tournaments to enter Italian Open semis

Defending champion and seven-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz won’t be defending his French Open title after he announced his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday (April 24). Alcaraz, who defeated Jannik Sinner after saving championship points in a marathon final in 2025, will miss this year’s tournament with a wrist injury. The Spaniard had earlier opted out of the Madrid Open, signaling his intentions to withdraw from the second major of the calendar year, having already pocketed the Australian Open title.<h2>Alcaraz opts out of French Open</h2>"We have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros," Alcaraz said on social media.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;"This is a difficult time for me, but I'm sure we will come out of it stronger," Alcaraz added, saying that he and his team would monitor his recovery before deciding when and where he would return.&nbsp;Alcaraz sustained the injury during the first round of the Barcelona Open last week, where he beat Otto Virtanen but subsequently pulled out of the tournament. The 22-year-old announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Masters on April 17, increasing concerns over whether he would be able to appear at the French Open.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open. He holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha. Ranked second in the world, Alcaraz lost top spot following his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on April 12. The seven-time Grand Slam winner triumphed at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025. He saved three championship points against Sinner last year in the longest French Open final in history.&nbsp;The Italian, who has never won the French Open, may be able to capitalise on Alcaraz's absence. This year's tournament runs from May 24 to June 7.

Alcaraz, who defeated Jannik Sinner after saving championship points in a marathon final in 2025, will miss this year’s tournament with a wrist injury. The Spaniard had earlier opted out of the Madrid Open, signaling his intentions to withdraw from the second major of the calendar year. 

Defending champion and seven-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz won’t be defending his French Open title after he announced his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday (April 24). Alcaraz, who defeated Jannik Sinner after saving championship points in a marathon final in 2025, will miss this year’s tournament with a wrist injury. The Spaniard had earlier opted out of the Madrid Open, signaling his intentions to withdraw from the second major of the calendar year, having already pocketed the Australian Open title. Alcaraz opts out of French Open "We have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros," Alcaraz said on social media. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions "This is a difficult time for me, but I'm sure we will come out of it stronger," Alcaraz added, saying that he and his team would monitor his recovery before deciding when and where he would return. Alcaraz sustained the injury during the first round of the Barcelona Open last week, where he beat Otto Virtanen but subsequently pulled out of the tournament. The 22-year-old announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Masters on April 17, increasing concerns over whether he would be able to appear at the French Open. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open. He holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha. Ranked second in the world, Alcaraz lost top spot following his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on April 12. The seven-time Grand Slam winner triumphed at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025. He saved three championship points against Sinner last year in the longest French Open final in history. The Italian, who has never won the French Open, may be able to capitalise on Alcaraz's absence. This year's tournament runs from May 24 to June 7.

Alcaraz, who defeated Jannik Sinner after saving championship points in a marathon final in 2025, will miss this year’s tournament with a wrist injury. The Spaniard had earlier opted out of the Madrid Open, signaling his intentions to withdraw from the second major of the calendar year.&nbsp;

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to miss French Open due to wrist injury

Jannik Sinner is not happy with Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the Madrid Open. Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament owing to a right wrist injury which may cause him to avoid the upcoming French Open 2026 as well. The Spaniard's absence, however, presents Sinner with an opportunity to win his record fifth straight Masters title following his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo. The Italian, however, acknowledges that it will not be same without Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic who is also not participating in the tournament. Alcaraz and Sinner have become the top tennis players in the last couple of years as Djokovic, only one still playing from Big Three (Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer), continues to search for his elusive 25th grand slam title.<h2>Sinner not happy about Alcaraz not playing in Madrid Open</h2>"It’s a very tough thing for the tournament,” said Sinner about Alcaraz's absence as reported by the Guardian. "Last year he didn’t play, so twice in a row is tough. And also Novak [Djokovic] is not here, it’s tough to swallow for the tournament. It is always different when Carlos and Novak are not in the draw. I would say [this situation is] unique because we have shared since last year a lot of tournaments."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cafu-backs-brazil-to-end-fifa-trophy-drought-tips-2026-world-cup-as-best-chance-vinicius-brazil-at-1776708590369">Cafu backs Brazil to end World Cup drought; tips 2026 edition as best chance</a><h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alcaraz-to-not-play-french-open-2026-laureus-sportsperson-of-year-2025-shares-injury-details-1776744881939">Why Alcaraz may not play French Open</a></h2>Alcaraz shared the injury details while receiving Laureus Sportsperson of the Year award for 2025 in Madrid on Monday (Apr 20). He said that he'll be looking to preserving his health instead of rushing back, given he's only 22 and has lot of future ahead of him."I have a long career ahead of me. Forcing for Roland Garros could penalise me enormously in the future. We’ll see what the tests show. But I prefer to come back a bit later rather than rush," Alcaraz said when asked if he'll play at the Roland Garros.If Alcaraz indeed doesn't play French Open 2026, the tournament his has won two consecutive times in 2024 and 2025, it'll give Sinner a great chance to complete his career grand slam. Sinner has already won Australia Open (2024 &amp; 2025), Wimbledon (2025), and US Open (2024).

Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament owing to a right wrist injury which may cause him to avoid the French Open as well. His absence, however, presents Sinner with an opportunity to win record fifth straight Masters title following his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

Jannik Sinner is not happy with Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the Madrid Open. Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament owing to a right wrist injury which may cause him to avoid the upcoming French Open 2026 as well. The Spaniard's absence, however, presents Sinner with an opportunity to win his record fifth straight Masters title following his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo. The Italian, however, acknowledges that it will not be same without Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic who is also not participating in the tournament. Alcaraz and Sinner have become the top tennis players in the last couple of years as Djokovic, only one still playing from Big Three (Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer), continues to search for his elusive 25th grand slam title. Sinner not happy about Alcaraz not playing in Madrid Open "It’s a very tough thing for the tournament,” said Sinner about Alcaraz's absence as reported by the Guardian. "Last year he didn’t play, so twice in a row is tough. And also Novak [Djokovic] is not here, it’s tough to swallow for the tournament. It is always different when Carlos and Novak are not in the draw. I would say [this situation is] unique because we have shared since last year a lot of tournaments." Also Read - Cafu backs Brazil to end World Cup drought; tips 2026 edition as best chance Why Alcaraz may not play French Open Alcaraz shared the injury details while receiving Laureus Sportsperson of the Year award for 2025 in Madrid on Monday (Apr 20). He said that he'll be looking to preserving his health instead of rushing back, given he's only 22 and has lot of future ahead of him. "I have a long career ahead of me. Forcing for Roland Garros could penalise me enormously in the future. We’ll see what the tests show. But I prefer to come back a bit later rather than rush," Alcaraz said when asked if he'll play at the Roland Garros. If Alcaraz indeed doesn't play French Open 2026, the tournament his has won two consecutive times in 2024 and 2025, it'll give Sinner a great chance to complete his career grand slam. Sinner has already won Australia Open (2024 & 2025), Wimbledon (2025), and US Open (2024).

Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament owing to a right wrist injury which may cause him to avoid the French Open as well. His absence, however, presents Sinner with an opportunity to win record fifth straight Masters title following his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

'Tough for tournament', says Sinner on Alcaraz withdrawing from Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz, one of the top tennis players currently in the world, may not be playing the French Open 2026 to defend his title. The Spaniard shared the information while receiving Laureus award for the Best Sportsperson for the year 2025 on Monday (Apr 20) in Madrid, Spain. French Open, one of the four major tennis tournaments of the year, is scheduled to be played from May 18 to June 7 at the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros. Alcaraz had won the French Open 2025 by beating Jannik Sinner in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roland-garros-carlos-alcaraz-scripts-marvellous-comeback-to-beat-jannik-sinner-for-french-open-2025-crown-1749403046167">one of the historic finals of the tournament</a>. The Spaniard's absence will certainly boost Sinner's chances to win the tournament as well as given an opportunity to Novak Djokovic to win the elusive 25th grand slam title.<h2>Why Carlos Alcaraz may not play French Open 2026?</h2>Alcaraz had his right wrist in a protective cast while receiving the Laureus award. The injury caused him to withdraw from Madrid Open last week, a day after he got his wrist treated during R1 6-4, 6-2 victory over Otto Virtanen in Barcelona.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cafu-backs-brazil-to-end-fifa-trophy-drought-tips-2026-world-cup-as-best-chance-vinicius-brazil-at-1776708590369">Cafu backs Brazil to end World Cup drought; tips 2026 edition as best chance</a>"I have a long career ahead of me. Forcing for Roland Garros could penalise me enormously in the future. We’ll see what the tests show. But I prefer to come back a bit later rather than rush,"Alcaraz said when asked if he'll play at the Roland Garros."We've been trying to do everything we can do to make sure that this test goes well. I'm trying to be very patient. But we are good, we are just waiting a little bit. We have a few tests in the next few days and then we will see how the injury is, and what the next steps will be," he also told Spanish television channel TVE.<h2>How Alcaraz reacted to Laureus award win?</h2>The 22-year-old termed being named as Laureus Sportsperson of Year as 'incredible and something more than winning tennis titles.'"As a tennis player, I compete for titles on the court, but this Laureus Statuette means something more as it’s a recognition among the greatest athletes in the world, across all sport."Three years ago, I received the Laureus Breakthrough Award in Paris and met one of my heroes, Leo Messi, who won the Laureus Sportsman Award. At the time, I dreamt that maybe one day I would join the great Leo Messi on the Sportsman list, and today, I have. Messi, Federer, Djokovic, Usain Bolt, and, of course, the great Rafa Nadal. I am following in the footsteps of giants. That makes this moment so special," he added.

Alcaraz had his right wrist in a protective cast while receiving the Laureus award. The Spaniard shared the information while receiving Laureus award for the Best Sportsperson of the Year 2025 on Monday (Apr 20) in Madrid, Spain.

Carlos Alcaraz, one of the top tennis players currently in the world, may not be playing the French Open 2026 to defend his title. The Spaniard shared the information while receiving Laureus award for the Best Sportsperson for the year 2025 on Monday (Apr 20) in Madrid, Spain. French Open, one of the four major tennis tournaments of the year, is scheduled to be played from May 18 to June 7 at the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros. Alcaraz had won the French Open 2025 by beating Jannik Sinner in one of the historic finals of the tournament. The Spaniard's absence will certainly boost Sinner's chances to win the tournament as well as given an opportunity to Novak Djokovic to win the elusive 25th grand slam title. Why Carlos Alcaraz may not play French Open 2026? Alcaraz had his right wrist in a protective cast while receiving the Laureus award. The injury caused him to withdraw from Madrid Open last week, a day after he got his wrist treated during R1 6-4, 6-2 victory over Otto Virtanen in Barcelona. Also Read - Cafu backs Brazil to end World Cup drought; tips 2026 edition as best chance "I have a long career ahead of me. Forcing for Roland Garros could penalise me enormously in the future. We’ll see what the tests show. But I prefer to come back a bit later rather than rush,"Alcaraz said when asked if he'll play at the Roland Garros. "We've been trying to do everything we can do to make sure that this test goes well. I'm trying to be very patient. But we are good, we are just waiting a little bit. We have a few tests in the next few days and then we will see how the injury is, and what the next steps will be," he also told Spanish television channel TVE. How Alcaraz reacted to Laureus award win? The 22-year-old termed being named as Laureus Sportsperson of Year as 'incredible and something more than winning tennis titles.' "As a tennis player, I compete for titles on the court, but this Laureus Statuette means something more as it’s a recognition among the greatest athletes in the world, across all sport. "Three years ago, I received the Laureus Breakthrough Award in Paris and met one of my heroes, Leo Messi, who won the Laureus Sportsman Award. At the time, I dreamt that maybe one day I would join the great Leo Messi on the Sportsman list, and today, I have. Messi, Federer, Djokovic, Usain Bolt, and, of course, the great Rafa Nadal. I am following in the footsteps of giants. That makes this moment so special," he added.

Alcaraz had his right wrist in a protective cast while receiving the Laureus award. The Spaniard shared the information while receiving Laureus award for the Best Sportsperson of the Year 2025 on Monday (Apr 20) in Madrid, Spain.

Alcaraz to not play French Open 2026? Laureus Sportsperson of Year 2025 shares injury details

Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz could face a race against time to be fit for the French Open 2026 after he pulled out of the Madrid Masters on Friday (April 17). Having struggled with a wrist injury, Alcaraz will miss his home tournament, having earlier pulled out of the Barcelona Open in the second round. Alcaraz is the defending champion at Roland Garros, having beaten Jannik Sinner in an epic final last year.<h2>Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Masters</h2>"There is news that is incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row," wrote Alcaraz in a post on X.&nbsp;"It especially hurts not to be able to be there in front of my people, at a tournament that is so special."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Earlier on Friday, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic also pulled out of the Madrid Open, which begins on April 21. The French Open, which Alcaraz won back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, starts on May 18.&nbsp;Alcaraz lost his world number one ranking following his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday. He would have had a chance to regain it by winning the title in Barcelona, with Sinner not playing this week.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;The 22-year-old Spaniard became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open. He holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha. Alcaraz said earlier this month he was hoping to play a full season on clay before starting his French Open title defence in late May.&nbsp;Last year, he won in Monte Carlo but skipped the Madrid Open, returning in Rome to lift the trophy there for the first time.

Having struggled with a wrist injury, Alcaraz will miss his home tournament, having earlier pulled out of the Barcelona Open in the second round. Alcaraz is the defending champion at Roland Garros, having beaten Jannik Sinner in an epic final last year.

Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz could face a race against time to be fit for the French Open 2026 after he pulled out of the Madrid Masters on Friday (April 17). Having struggled with a wrist injury, Alcaraz will miss his home tournament, having earlier pulled out of the Barcelona Open in the second round. Alcaraz is the defending champion at Roland Garros, having beaten Jannik Sinner in an epic final last year. Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Masters "There is news that is incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row," wrote Alcaraz in a post on X. "It especially hurts not to be able to be there in front of my people, at a tournament that is so special." ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Earlier on Friday, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic also pulled out of the Madrid Open, which begins on April 21. The French Open, which Alcaraz won back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, starts on May 18. Alcaraz lost his world number one ranking following his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday. He would have had a chance to regain it by winning the title in Barcelona, with Sinner not playing this week. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions The 22-year-old Spaniard became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open. He holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha. Alcaraz said earlier this month he was hoping to play a full season on clay before starting his French Open title defence in late May. Last year, he won in Monte Carlo but skipped the Madrid Open, returning in Rome to lift the trophy there for the first time.

Having struggled with a wrist injury, Alcaraz will miss his home tournament, having earlier pulled out of the Barcelona Open in the second round. Alcaraz is the defending champion at Roland Garros, having beaten Jannik Sinner in an epic final last year.

Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Masters after wrist injury, faces race against time to be fit for Roland Garros

The world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, stayed unbeaten in 2026 after defeating Andrey Rublev 7-6(3), 6-4 on Friday (Feb 20) to reach the final of the Qatar Open. The defending champion, Rublev, came back from 0-3 down in the second set to level the score and saved five match points. However, Alcaraz stayed calm and secured his 11th straight win of the season.&nbsp;Alcaraz has reached the final in the last four Grand Slam tournaments and won three of them. He said he is working hard to improve and feels happy with his progress and growing maturity.&nbsp;“I know what I’m able to ‌do every time that I step on court. ‌For ⁠me it’s great. Obviously, the way I’m ⁠approaching every match, I’m just really proud about it,” said 22-year-old Alcaraz.&nbsp;“I’m trying to be better at that... it’s paying off. All the focus and attention. I’m just happy and proud about myself with how I’m ‌getting better and getting mature I guess.”&nbsp;Rublev struggled early in the match, making 14 unforced errors on his backhand in the first set. Still, he hit several strong forehands that landed close to the baseline. Both players broke each other’s serve twice, leading to a tiebreak.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-you-ve-still-got-to-play-jos-buttler-on-his-form-in-t20-world-cup-2026-1771643607831">‘You’ve still got to play…’: Jos Buttler on his form in T20 World Cup 2026</a>

Alcaraz stayed focused in the tiebreak and moved ahead 6-3. Rublev showed his frustration by hitting his racket against his knee, breaking a string and soon after, Alcaraz won the first set.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the second set, Alcaraz broke Rublev’s serve twice to lead 5-3 and served for the match. Rublev saved three match points and broke back. But Alcaraz broke serve again in the next game and finally won on his sixth match point when Rublev’s backhand went wide.&nbsp;Later in the day, world No. 16 Jakub Mensik was set to face Arthur Fils in the other semifinal.

Andrey Rublev ⁠fought back from 0-3 down to level the second set and then saved five match points, but it was Carlos Alcaraz who emerged victorious in the end.

The world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, stayed unbeaten in 2026 after defeating Andrey Rublev 7-6(3), 6-4 on Friday (Feb 20) to reach the final of the Qatar Open. The defending champion, Rublev, came back from 0-3 down in the second set to level the score and saved five match points. However, Alcaraz stayed calm and secured his 11th straight win of the season. Alcaraz has reached the final in the last four Grand Slam tournaments and won three of them. He said he is working hard to improve and feels happy with his progress and growing maturity. “I know what I’m able to ‌do every time that I step on court. ‌For ⁠me it’s great. Obviously, the way I’m ⁠approaching every match, I’m just really proud about it,” said 22-year-old Alcaraz. “I’m trying to be better at that... it’s paying off. All the focus and attention. I’m just happy and proud about myself with how I’m ‌getting better and getting mature I guess.” Rublev struggled early in the match, making 14 unforced errors on his backhand in the first set. Still, he hit several strong forehands that landed close to the baseline. Both players broke each other’s serve twice, leading to a tiebreak. Also Read - ‘You’ve still got to play…’: Jos Buttler on his form in T20 World Cup 2026

Andrey Rublev ⁠fought back from 0-3 down to level the second set and then saved five match points, but it was Carlos Alcaraz who emerged victorious in the end.

Qatar Open: World No. 1 Alcaraz beats defending champion Andrey Rublev to secure final spot

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has won his maiden Australian Open title in Melbourne, lifting his seventh Grand Slam trophy overall. The young Spanish tennis star dominated the tournament and added another major achievement to his rapidly rising career.


Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz Wins Maiden Australian Open Men’s Title Defeating Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz was at the top of his game on Sunday (Feb 1) as he won his maiden Australian Open title by defeating Novak Djokovic at the Rod Laver Arena. The 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win also saw Alcaraz become the youngest player to clinch a career Grand Slam. After the win, Alcaraz reflected on his journey and gave a special mention to Rafael Nadal, who was in attendance for the championship clash.<h2>Alcaraz reflects on Australian Open win&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>"I mean, this moment is really special, but having Rafa in the stands made it even more special, to be honest," said Alcaraz.&nbsp;"Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy. A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam."&nbsp;Alcaraz reflected on Nadal’s 2009 semifinal win over Fernando Verdasco, which set the pace for the Spaniard to win his maiden title. Alcaraz stated he took inspiration from the epic 2009 run where Nadal would later beat Roger Federer in the summit clash.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;"After the semi-final, I just thought about that semi-final in 2009, he played against Verdasco, and then he came back physically and played such a great final against Federer and won," said Alcaraz.&nbsp;"So I was thinking a little bit about it.&nbsp;"It's just about pushing through and having him there, I was like watching him and he gave me some, like, good spirit, good mindset."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>In the final that lasted more than two hours, Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The win meant Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. Overall, he now has seven major titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open, French Open and the US Open.

The 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win also saw Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest player to clinch a career Grand Slam. After the win, Alcaraz reflected on his journey and gave a special mention to Rafael Nadal, who was in attendance for the championship clash.

Carlos Alcaraz was at the top of his game on Sunday (Feb 1) as he won his maiden Australian Open title by defeating Novak Djokovic at the Rod Laver Arena. The 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win also saw Alcaraz become the youngest player to clinch a career Grand Slam. After the win, Alcaraz reflected on his journey and gave a special mention to Rafael Nadal, who was in attendance for the championship clash. Alcaraz reflects on Australian Open win "I mean, this moment is really special, but having Rafa in the stands made it even more special, to be honest," said Alcaraz. "Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy. A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam." Alcaraz reflected on Nadal’s 2009 semifinal win over Fernando Verdasco, which set the pace for the Spaniard to win his maiden title. Alcaraz stated he took inspiration from the epic 2009 run where Nadal would later beat Roger Federer in the summit clash. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "After the semi-final, I just thought about that semi-final in 2009, he played against Verdasco, and then he came back physically and played such a great final against Federer and won," said Alcaraz. "So I was thinking a little bit about it. "It's just about pushing through and having him there, I was like watching him and he gave me some, like, good spirit, good mindset." ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli What happened in the match? In the final that lasted more than two hours, Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The win meant Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. Overall, he now has seven major titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open, French Open and the US Open.

The 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win also saw Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest player to clinch a career Grand Slam. After the win, Alcaraz reflected on his journey and gave a special mention to Rafael Nadal, who was in attendance for the championship clash.

Australian Open final: Carlos Alcaraz reflects on historic feat, says 'dream come true'

Carlos Alcaraz scripted history in Melbourne with his maiden Australian Open triumph. The 22-year-old Spaniard became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a Career Grand Slam — winning all four major titles. With this victory, Alcaraz joins an elite list featuring Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, cementing his place among tennis greats.


Carlos Alcaraz Wins Australian Open, Becomes Youngest to Complete Career Grand Slam

It was so near yet so far for 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic after he lost to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Australian Open 2026. Playing at the Rod Laver Arena in the Championship clash, Alcaraz beat Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win his maiden Australian Open and thereby complete his career Grand Slam. After the defeat, Djokovic reflected on his dream run and stated he did not anticipate reaching another major final in his career.<h2>Djokovic reflects on dream run</h2>"I must be very honest and say that I didn't think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again,” 38-year-old Djokovic said after defeat to Alcaraz.&nbsp;"So I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks.&nbsp;"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So it has been a great ride. I love you guys."<h2>What happened in the match?</h2>In the final that lasted more than two hours, Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The win meant Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. Overall, he now has seven major titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open, French Open and the US Open.&nbsp;Both Djokovic and Alcaraz showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest. They both opened with comfortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1. Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead.&nbsp;Djokovic was reading Alcaraz's serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points. He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes after a ninth unforced error from the top seed, having dominated the big moments. It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz came storming back, upping the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game.&nbsp;Djokovic put drops to his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz who broke again for 5-2. There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind.&nbsp;Djokovic gamely saved four set points at 3-5, but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control. On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive and kept fighting hard. But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a maiden Australian championship.

In the final that lasted more than two hours, Novak Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Carlos Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

It was so near yet so far for 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic after he lost to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Australian Open 2026. Playing at the Rod Laver Arena in the Championship clash, Alcaraz beat Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win his maiden Australian Open and thereby complete his career Grand Slam. After the defeat, Djokovic reflected on his dream run and stated he did not anticipate reaching another major final in his career. Djokovic reflects on dream run "I must be very honest and say that I didn't think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again,” 38-year-old Djokovic said after defeat to Alcaraz. "So I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks. "God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So it has been a great ride. I love you guys." What happened in the match? In the final that lasted more than two hours, Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The win meant Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. Overall, he now has seven major titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open, French Open and the US Open. Both Djokovic and Alcaraz showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest. They both opened with comfortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1. Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead. Djokovic was reading Alcaraz's serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points. He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes after a ninth unforced error from the top seed, having dominated the big moments. It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz came storming back, upping the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game. Djokovic put drops to his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz who broke again for 5-2. There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind. Djokovic gamely saved four set points at 3-5, but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control. On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive and kept fighting hard. But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a maiden Australian championship.

In the final that lasted more than two hours, Novak Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Carlos Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

'I didn't think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony': Novak Djokovic on dream Australian Open run

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz scripted history on Sunday (Feb 1) as he defeated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final of the Australian Open 2026. In doing so, Alcaraz became the youngest winner of a career Grand Slam (all four major titles), reaching the feat at a mere age of 22. On the other hand, defeat for Djokovic meant he remains level with Margaret Court with 24 major titles and missed out on a record-breaking feat.<h2>Alcaraz scripts history</h2>In the final that lasted more than two hours, Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The win meant Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. Overall, he now has seven major titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open, French Open and the US Open.&nbsp;A seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously, leaving him still searching for a landmark 25th major to better Australia's Margaret Court, who was also watching on centre court.&nbsp;Djokovic, striving to become the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy, last won one at the US Open in 2023. Since then, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have shared the spoils. Both men battled through five long sets in their semi-finals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic against Sinner, and recovery was always going to be key after their physical struggles.&nbsp;Both Djokovic and Alcaraz showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest. They both opened with comfortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1. Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Djokovic was reading Alcaraz's serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points. He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes after a ninth unforced error from the top seed, having dominated the big moments. It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz came storming back, upping the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game.&nbsp;Djokovic put drops to his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz who broke again for 5-2. There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Djokovic gamely saved four set points at 3-5, but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control. On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive and kept fighting hard. But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a maiden Australian championship. It ensured he remained world number one and Sinner two, with Djokovic moving up a place to three ahead of Zverev.

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest winner of a career Grand Slam (all four major titles), reaching the feat at a mere age of 22. 

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz scripted history on Sunday (Feb 1) as he defeated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final of the Australian Open 2026. In doing so, Alcaraz became the youngest winner of a career Grand Slam (all four major titles), reaching the feat at a mere age of 22. On the other hand, defeat for Djokovic meant he remains level with Margaret Court with 24 major titles and missed out on a record-breaking feat. Alcaraz scripts history In the final that lasted more than two hours, Djokovic made a bright start by pocketing the opening set; however, Alcaraz came back to win the next three sets and won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The win meant Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open and completed his career Grand Slam at 22. Overall, he now has seven major titles and is the defending champion at the Australian Open, French Open and the US Open. A seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously, leaving him still searching for a landmark 25th major to better Australia's Margaret Court, who was also watching on centre court. Djokovic, striving to become the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy, last won one at the US Open in 2023. Since then, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have shared the spoils. Both men battled through five long sets in their semi-finals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic against Sinner, and recovery was always going to be key after their physical struggles. Both Djokovic and Alcaraz showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest. They both opened with comfortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1. Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Djokovic was reading Alcaraz's serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points. He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes after a ninth unforced error from the top seed, having dominated the big moments. It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz came storming back, upping the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game. Djokovic put drops to his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz who broke again for 5-2. There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Djokovic gamely saved four set points at 3-5, but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control. On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive and kept fighting hard. But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a maiden Australian championship. It ensured he remained world number one and Sinner two, with Djokovic moving up a place to three ahead of Zverev.

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest winner of a career Grand Slam (all four major titles), reaching the feat at a mere age of 22.&nbsp;

Australian Open final: Alcaraz scripts history, beats Djokovic to become youngest career Grand Slam winner

Novak Djokovic will go head-to-head with Carlos Alcaraz as they face off at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final on Sunday (Feb 1). The contest at the Rod Laver Arena will be one for the neutrals with Alcaraz targeting his maiden Australian Open title, while Djokovic will try to script history with an elusive 25th Grand Slam title. Ahead of the key, the high-voltage contest between the two: here’s all you need to know, including live streaming, time, and overall head-to-head records.&nbsp;When will the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic contest at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final start?The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic contest at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final will start at 2:00 p.m. IST (7:30 p.m. local time) on Sunday (Feb 1).&nbsp;Where will the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final contest take place?The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic contest at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final will be played at the Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;What is the head-to-head record between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic?Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have faced each other nine times to date, with Djokovic holding a slight advantage: 5 wins for Djokovic and 4 for Alcaraz. Their most recent clash went to Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in the 2025 US Open semifinals 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2, after tough losses in previous meetings: the Australian Open quarterfinals and the Paris 2024 Olympic final, both with Djokovic in top form or facing physical challenges.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Which channel will broadcast the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India?The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India will be telecast on Sony Sports Network. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Which channel will live stream the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India?The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv App.

Ahead of the key, the high-voltage contest between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic: here’s all you need to know, including live streaming, time, and overall head-to-head records.

Novak Djokovic will go head-to-head with Carlos Alcaraz as they face off at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final on Sunday (Feb 1). The contest at the Rod Laver Arena will be one for the neutrals with Alcaraz targeting his maiden Australian Open title, while Djokovic will try to script history with an elusive 25th Grand Slam title. Ahead of the key, the high-voltage contest between the two: here’s all you need to know, including live streaming, time, and overall head-to-head records. When will the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic contest at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final start? The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic contest at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final will start at 2:00 p.m. IST (7:30 p.m. local time) on Sunday (Feb 1). Where will the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final contest take place? The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic contest at the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final will be played at the Rod Laver Arena. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds What is the head-to-head record between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic? Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have faced each other nine times to date, with Djokovic holding a slight advantage: 5 wins for Djokovic and 4 for Alcaraz. Their most recent clash went to Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in the 2025 US Open semifinals 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2, after tough losses in previous meetings: the Australian Open quarterfinals and the Paris 2024 Olympic final, both with Djokovic in top form or facing physical challenges. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Which channel will broadcast the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India? The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India will be telecast on Sony Sports Network. Which channel will live stream the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India? The Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final match in India will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv App.

Ahead of the key, the high-voltage contest between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic: here’s all you need to know, including live streaming, time, and overall head-to-head records.

Australian Open 2026, Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic final: All you need to know including live streaming, time, H2H

Carlos Alcaraz orchestrated another one of his Houdini acts to win the longest Australian Open 2026 semi-final in the history on Friday (Jan 30) against Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz was two sets up but then suffered the cramps and lost the next two sets. The Spaniard, like he had come back from two sets down to win French Open 2025 final against Jannik Sinner, went on to win the match against Zverev for his maiden AO final appearance. Alcaraz, after his majestic act, became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-longest-semi-youngest-winner-alcaraz-beats-zverev-in-five-set-epic-to-enter-maiden-final-1769765284505">youngest player to enter the final of all four grand slams</a>.<h2>Alcaraz reveals how he fought cramps in AO 2026 semis</h2>"I just hate giving up. Just how I could feel after all – I just don't want to feel that way," said the Spaniard after the win. "You know, every step more, every just one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it. So that's why I just fight until the last ball and always believe that I can come back in every situation."Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-tennis-meets-f1-alcaraz-recreates-fernando-alonso-s-iconic-spanish-heritage-pose-after-sf-win-1769787430970">AO 2026 | Alcaraz recreates Alonso's 'ICONIC' Spanish heritage pose after SF win</a>Talking about his physical condition for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-legend-continues-to-grow-djokovic-beats-two-time-defending-champ-sinner-to-set-up-alcaraz-final-1769783904952">AO 2026 final against Novak Djokovic</a>, Alcaraz acknowledged: "You know, obviously my body could be better, to be honest, but I think that's normal after five hours and a half. So I just did whatever it takes just to try to be better, to feel better tomorrow. Ice bath … I'm going to have treatment with the physio now, and we will see."<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-watch-zverev-angry-as-alcaraz-takes-medical-timeout-for-cramps-in-semis-1769773245345">Zverev gets angry about Alcaraz medical timeout for cramps</a></h2>Alcaraz was visibly uncomfortable and was walking gingerly towards the end of third set when he took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. The German took advantage of the situation and went on to win the third and fourth set, both in tie-breaker, to push the match into the fifth set which at one point looked like will be over in straight sets.

Alcaraz was visibly uncomfortable and was walking gingerly towards the end of third set when he took a medical timeout. The Spaniard, like he had come back from two sets down to win French Open 2025 final against Jannik Sinner, went on to win the match in the end for a place in the final.

Carlos Alcaraz orchestrated another one of his Houdini acts to win the longest Australian Open 2026 semi-final in the history on Friday (Jan 30) against Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz was two sets up but then suffered the cramps and lost the next two sets. The Spaniard, like he had come back from two sets down to win French Open 2025 final against Jannik Sinner, went on to win the match against Zverev for his maiden AO final appearance. Alcaraz, after his majestic act, became the youngest player to enter the final of all four grand slams. Alcaraz reveals how he fought cramps in AO 2026 semis "I just hate giving up. Just how I could feel after all – I just don't want to feel that way," said the Spaniard after the win. "You know, every step more, every just one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it. So that's why I just fight until the last ball and always believe that I can come back in every situation." Also see: AO 2026 | Alcaraz recreates Alonso's 'ICONIC' Spanish heritage pose after SF win Talking about his physical condition for the upcoming AO 2026 final against Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz acknowledged: "You know, obviously my body could be better, to be honest, but I think that's normal after five hours and a half. So I just did whatever it takes just to try to be better, to feel better tomorrow. Ice bath … I'm going to have treatment with the physio now, and we will see." Zverev gets angry about Alcaraz medical timeout for cramps Alcaraz was visibly uncomfortable and was walking gingerly towards the end of third set when he took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. The German took advantage of the situation and went on to win the third and fourth set, both in tie-breaker, to push the match into the fifth set which at one point looked like will be over in straight sets.

Alcaraz was visibly uncomfortable and was walking gingerly towards the end of third set when he took a medical timeout. The Spaniard, like he had come back from two sets down to win French Open 2025 final against Jannik Sinner, went on to win the match in the end for a place in the final.

AO 2026 | 'One second more of suffering': Alcaraz on fighting pain to enter maiden final

Carlos Alcaraz won the longest Australian Open semi-final in history on Friday (Jan 30) and became the youngest player to reach all all four grand slams final. Battling with cramps and losing two-set advantage, Alcaraz summoned his best to beat Alexander Zverev in 5-hour 27 minutes marathan match 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. The Spaniard, after the win, also created the iconic pose of Fernando Alonso - the iconic Formula 1 race driver from Spain. Alcaraz will now face 24-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic for his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday (Feb 1) at Rod Laver Arena.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-legend-continues-to-grow-djokovic-beats-two-time-defending-champ-sinner-to-set-up-alcaraz-final-1769783904952">AO 2026 | 'Legend continues to grow': Djokovic beats two-time defending champ Sinner to set up Alcaraz final</a><h2>Alcaraz recreates iconic Spanish Championship Heritage pose from F1 driver Alonso</h2>Alonso had won the F1 championships in 2005 and 2006 and made an iconic pose to celebrate his win - raising his hands with arms parallel to ground, head bowed and a leg bent at 90 degrees at knee level. Alacaraz, after winning the marathon semi-final, also created the same pose. Have a look at it below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spanish champion heritage 🇪🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalcaraz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carlosalcaraz</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/alo_oficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alo_oficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/iTIiMOyJiW">pic.twitter.com/iTIiMOyJiW</a>&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/2017196108569776451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How Alcaraz fought back cramps to escape from Zverev</h2>Alcaraz was two sets up at the start of the match, including coming back from 2-5 down in the second set, which Zverev defined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-and-then-him-cramping-zverev-shares-biggest-regret-from-loss-vs-alcaraz-1769778734295">as the biggest regret</a> in the match. After winning the second set in a tie-breaker, Alcaraz suffered cramps in the third set and took a medical timeout about which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-watch-zverev-angry-as-alcaraz-takes-medical-timeout-for-cramps-in-semis-1769773245345">Zverev didn't look happy</a>. Alcaraz lost it as well as the fourth one too - both in tie-breakers though. The Spaniard, however, came back stronger and won the game, set, &amp; match.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-watch-moment-when-alcaraz-s-win-vs-zverev-in-semis-became-almost-certain-on-road-to-final-1769770157036">Moment when Alcaraz's win became almost certain</a></h2>The Spaniard had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well. Alcaraz was down 15-30 in the sixth game of the deciding set when he played the 'point of the match.' The 5-and-half hour thriller saw three sets going to the tie-breaker except first and last one, highlighting the epic battler fans and the crowd witnessed. Alcaraz will now be looking to win his first AO title and become the youngest to complete the career grand slam, having already won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US open twice each.

 The Spaniard, after the win, also created the iconic pose of Fernando Alonso - the iconic Formula 1 race driver from Spain. Alcaraz summoned his best to beat Alexander Zverev in 5-hour 27 minutes marathan match 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. 

Carlos Alcaraz won the longest Australian Open semi-final in history on Friday (Jan 30) and became the youngest player to reach all all four grand slams final. Battling with cramps and losing two-set advantage, Alcaraz summoned his best to beat Alexander Zverev in 5-hour 27 minutes marathan match 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. The Spaniard, after the win, also created the iconic pose of Fernando Alonso - the iconic Formula 1 race driver from Spain. Alcaraz will now face 24-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic for his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday (Feb 1) at Rod Laver Arena. Also Read: AO 2026 | 'Legend continues to grow': Djokovic beats two-time defending champ Sinner to set up Alcaraz final Alcaraz recreates iconic Spanish Championship Heritage pose from F1 driver Alonso Alonso had won the F1 championships in 2005 and 2006 and made an iconic pose to celebrate his win - raising his hands with arms parallel to ground, head bowed and a leg bent at 90 degrees at knee level. Alacaraz, after winning the marathon semi-final, also created the same pose. Have a look at it below:

The Spaniard, after the win, also created the iconic pose of Fernando Alonso - the iconic Formula 1 race driver from Spain. Alcaraz summoned his best to beat Alexander Zverev in 5-hour 27 minutes marathan match 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5.&nbsp;

AO 2026 | 'Tennis meets F1': Alcaraz recreates Fernando Alonso's 'ICONIC'  Spanish heritage pose after SF win

Alexander Zverev was in prime position to win the Australian Open 2026 semi-final on Friday (Jan 30) at Rod Laver Arena against Carlos Alcaraz with the Spaniard cramping but failed to take the advantage of the situation. The German eventually lost 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the historic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-longest-semi-youngest-winner-alcaraz-beats-zverev-in-five-set-epic-to-enter-maiden-final-1769765284505">five-set marathon</a> and failed to make it to his second consecutive Australian Open final. Zverev was two sets down when Alcaraz started to cramp and went on to nullify the advantage. In the final set though, Alcaraz summoned his herculen best to enter his maiden Australian Open final and in process, became the youngest to reach final of all four grand slams in open era history.<h2>Zverev shares regrets from loss vs Alcaraz in marathon semi</h2>After Alcaraz won the first set, Zverev responded immediately and took an early lead in the second set. The Spaniard, however, won the set in the tie-breaker and Zverev calls it his biggest regret of the match.Also Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-watch-moment-when-alcaraz-s-win-vs-zverev-in-semis-became-almost-certain-on-road-to-final-1769770157036">AO 2026 | Moment when Alcaraz's win vs Zverev in semis became almost certain on road to final</a>"The biggest regret I have is probably the second set, not winning that, because I think it would have changed being one set all, and then him cramping," acknowledged Zverev. The German went on to win the next two sets, although in tie-breaker, but he didn't like it either."I didn't do a good job in the third and fourth sets. I should have won them easier in a way, but he was hitting a lot of winners from the first shot, so I wasn't getting into the rallies. I should have probably been a bit more aggressive," Zverev said.“Even at 5-4 [in the fifth], you know, normally I can rely on my serve a bit more. My legs stopped pushing upward… that's the way it is. This is life. We move on."<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-watch-zverev-angry-as-alcaraz-takes-medical-timeout-for-cramps-in-semis-1769773245345">Zverev gets angry about Alcaraz's medical timeout</a></h2>The Spaniard was visibly uncomfortable and even took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. Alcaraz was 5-4 up in the third set when he took the medical timeout and Zverev was clearly not happy about it. Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz.

After Alcaraz won the first set, Zverev responded immediately and took an early lead in the second set. The Spaniard, however, won the set in the tie-breaker and Zverev calls it his biggest regret of the match. The German eventually lost 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the five sets.

Alexander Zverev was in prime position to win the Australian Open 2026 semi-final on Friday (Jan 30) at Rod Laver Arena against Carlos Alcaraz with the Spaniard cramping but failed to take the advantage of the situation. The German eventually lost 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the historic five-set marathon and failed to make it to his second consecutive Australian Open final. Zverev was two sets down when Alcaraz started to cramp and went on to nullify the advantage. In the final set though, Alcaraz summoned his herculen best to enter his maiden Australian Open final and in process, became the youngest to reach final of all four grand slams in open era history. Zverev shares regrets from loss vs Alcaraz in marathon semi After Alcaraz won the first set, Zverev responded immediately and took an early lead in the second set. The Spaniard, however, won the set in the tie-breaker and Zverev calls it his biggest regret of the match. Also Watch: AO 2026 | Moment when Alcaraz's win vs Zverev in semis became almost certain on road to final "The biggest regret I have is probably the second set, not winning that, because I think it would have changed being one set all, and then him cramping," acknowledged Zverev. The German went on to win the next two sets, although in tie-breaker, but he didn't like it either. "I didn't do a good job in the third and fourth sets. I should have won them easier in a way, but he was hitting a lot of winners from the first shot, so I wasn't getting into the rallies. I should have probably been a bit more aggressive," Zverev said. “Even at 5-4 [in the fifth], you know, normally I can rely on my serve a bit more. My legs stopped pushing upward… that's the way it is. This is life. We move on." Zverev gets angry about Alcaraz's medical timeout The Spaniard was visibly uncomfortable and even took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. Alcaraz was 5-4 up in the third set when he took the medical timeout and Zverev was clearly not happy about it. Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz.

After Alcaraz won the first set, Zverev responded immediately and took an early lead in the second set. The Spaniard, however, won the set in the tie-breaker and Zverev calls it his biggest regret of the match. The German eventually lost 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the five sets.

AO 2026 | 'And then him cramping': Zverev shares biggest regret from loss vs Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz was two sets up and leading in the third set as well when cramps hit him during the Australian Open 2026 semi-final vs Alexander Zverev on Friday (Jan 30). The Spaniard was visibly uncomfortable and even took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. The German took advantage of the situation and went on to win the third and fourth set, both in tie-breaker, to push the match into the fifth set which at one point looked like will be over in straight sets.<h2>Zverev gets angry as Alcaraz gets treatment for cramps</h2>Alcaraz was 5-4 up in the third set when he took the medical timeout and Zverev was clearly not happy about it. The German had animated and what appeared to be angry discussions with the match officials about the situation. After the timeout, Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz. Have a look at angry Zverev below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Alexander Zverev says tennis is protecting Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, do you agree? <a href="https://t.co/GQJliZLSD4">pic.twitter.com/GQJliZLSD4</a>&mdash; SportsDeeva (@Blesing_Andrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/Blesing_Andrew/status/2017131639290417586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The German, however, could not overcome the Spaniard as Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-4, 7(7)-6(5), 6(3)-7(7), 6(4)-7(7), 7-5 to enter his maiden Australian Open final.Also Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-watch-moment-when-alcaraz-s-win-vs-zverev-in-semis-became-almost-certain-on-road-to-final-1769770157036">AO 2026 | Moment when Alcaraz's win vs Zverev in semis became almost certain on road to final</a><h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-longest-semi-youngest-winner-alcaraz-beats-zverev-in-five-set-epic-to-enter-maiden-final-1769765284505">Alcaraz vs Zverev - Historic AO semi-final</a></h2>The Spaniard had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well but Alcaraz had the last laugh. The 5-and-half hour thriller saw three sets going to the tie-breaker except first and last one, highlighting the epic battle fans and the crowd witnessed. It was the longest semi-final in the Australian Open history and Alcaraz is now the youngest player to enter the final of all four grand slams in open era history. Alcaraz will now be looking to win his first AO title and become the youngest to complete the career grand slam, having already won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US open twice each.

Alexander Zverev had animated and what appeared to be an angry discussions with the match officials about Alcaraz taking medical timeout in third set for cramps. After the timeout, Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz was two sets up and leading in the third set as well when cramps hit him during the Australian Open 2026 semi-final vs Alexander Zverev on Friday (Jan 30). The Spaniard was visibly uncomfortable and even took a medical timeout, something which did not go down well with his opponent. When Alcaraz was getting treatment for what appeared to be cramps in his right thigh, Zverev was engaged in a heated conversation with match officials. The German took advantage of the situation and went on to win the third and fourth set, both in tie-breaker, to push the match into the fifth set which at one point looked like will be over in straight sets. Zverev gets angry as Alcaraz gets treatment for cramps Alcaraz was 5-4 up in the third set when he took the medical timeout and Zverev was clearly not happy about it. The German had animated and what appeared to be angry discussions with the match officials about the situation. After the timeout, Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz. Have a look at angry Zverev below:

Alexander Zverev had animated and what appeared to be an angry discussions with the match officials about Alcaraz taking medical timeout in third set for cramps. After the timeout, Zverev won the third set and the fourth as well against a gingerly walking Alcaraz.

AO 2026 | WATCH - Zverev 'angry' as Alcaraz takes medical timeout for cramps in semis

Carlos Alcaraz has entered his maiden Australian Open final after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-longest-semi-youngest-winner-alcaraz-beats-zverev-in-five-set-epic-to-enter-maiden-final-1769765284505">winning the tournament history's longest semi-final</a> on Friday (Jan 30) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Alcaraz won the first set against Alxander Zverev and came back from 2-5 down to win the second set as well. He then got cramps, lost his two-set advantage but eventually came out as winner in the five-set thriller. In the final set, he was down 15-30 in the sixth game and then scored the point of the match. He immediately geatured towards the crowd as if he knew that he was going to win the match and he did in the end. Alcaraz came out winner, the youngest to reach AO final in open era history, beating Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the 5-hour 27 minutes long match.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-first-of-its-kind-since-2004-sabalenka-rybakina-road-to-historic-women-s-singles-final-1769764351753">AO 2026 | 'First of its kind since 2004': Sabalenka-Rybakina road to historic women's singles final</a><h2>Alcaraz gets crowd going with point of the match</h2>The Spaniard had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well. Alcaraz was down 15-30 in the sixth game of the deciding set when he played the 'point of the match.' Have a look at the point and Alcaraz's reaction below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">THIS is what brought on THAT reaction 😯<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/bo8PJlcmL4">https://t.co/bo8PJlcmL4</a> <a href="https://t.co/aCSBMxvtvt">pic.twitter.com/aCSBMxvtvt</a>&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/2017155841963806828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 5-and-half hour thriller saw three sets going to the tie-breaker except first and last one, highlighting the epic battler fans and the crowd witnessed. Alcaraz will now be looking to win his first AO title and become the youngest to complete the career grand slam, having already won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US open twice each.<h2>Alcaraz's road to maiden AO final</h2>Alcaraz, top seed at the Australian Open 2026, started his campaign with win over Adam Walton in the firs round on Jan 18. He beat Yannick Hanfmann in the second round on Jan 21 and Corentin Moutet in the third round on Jan 23. The Spaniard overcame Tommy Paul in the fourth round on Jan 25 before beating Alex de Minaur in the QF. All his wins before the semi vs Zverev came in straight sets - without dropping a set. In the semis, he beat German Zverev in an epic five-set battle. Below are Alcaraz's scores from each match on his road to final:<ul><li>Alcaraz beat Walton 6-3, 7(7)-6(2), 6-2 in Round 1</li><li>Alcaraz beat Hanfmann 7(7)-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 in Round 2</li><li>Alcaraz beat Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in Round 3</li><li>Alcaraz beat Paul 7(8)-6(6), 6-4, 7-5 in Round 4</li><li>Alcaraz beat de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 in QF</li><li>Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-4, 7(7)-6(5), 6(3)-7(7), 6(4)-7(7), 7-5 in SF</li></ul>He will now play winner of Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner for his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday (Feb 1). Sinner is two-time defending champion of the tournament while Djokovic is a 10-time AO champion - making the final not at all easy for Alcaraz.

Alcaraz had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well. Alcaraz was down 15-30 in the sixth game of the deciding set when he played the 'point of the match.'

Carlos Alcaraz has entered his maiden Australian Open final after winning the tournament history's longest semi-final on Friday (Jan 30) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Alcaraz won the first set against Alxander Zverev and came back from 2-5 down to win the second set as well. He then got cramps, lost his two-set advantage but eventually came out as winner in the five-set thriller. In the final set, he was down 15-30 in the sixth game and then scored the point of the match. He immediately geatured towards the crowd as if he knew that he was going to win the match and he did in the end. Alcaraz came out winner, the youngest to reach AO final in open era history, beating Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the 5-hour 27 minutes long match. Also Read: AO 2026 | 'First of its kind since 2004': Sabalenka-Rybakina road to historic women's singles final Alcaraz gets crowd going with point of the match The Spaniard had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well. Alcaraz was down 15-30 in the sixth game of the deciding set when he played the 'point of the match.' Have a look at the point and Alcaraz's reaction below:

Alcaraz had already lost his two-set advantage after Zverev won the third and fourth set and the German was up 3-2 in the final set as well. Alcaraz was down 15-30 in the sixth game of the deciding set when he played the 'point of the match.'

AO 2026 | WATCH: Moment when Alcaraz's win vs Zverev in semis became almost certain on road to final

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame injury concern and loss of two-set advantage to enter his maiden Australian Open final on Friday (Jan 30). Alcaraz beat German Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the marathon semifinal - the longest in AO history which ran for 5 hours and 27 minutes. The 22-year-old is now the youngest to reach all four grand slam finals in the open era history and will be the youngest to complete the career grand slam shall he wins on Sunday (Feb 1). Alcaraz has already won rest three grand slams twice each: French Open in 2024 &amp; 2025, Wimbledon in 2023 &amp; 2024, and US Open in 2022 &amp; 2025.<h2>Alcaraz calls semi vs Zverev 'physically demanding'</h2>"I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what," Alcaraz said during the on-court interview. "No matter what you’re struggling [with, what] you've been through, no matter anything, you gotta still believe in yourself all the time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-first-of-its-kind-since-2004-sabalenka-rybakina-road-to-historic-women-s-singles-final-1769764351753">AO 2026 | 'First of its kind since 2004': Sabalenka-Rybakina road to historic women's singles final</a>"I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically it was one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career, I would say, but I've been in these kinds of situations," he added.<h2>What next for Alcaraz?</h2>The Spaniard will now platy winner of Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner for his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday (Feb 1). Sinner is two-time defending champion of the tournament while Djokovic is a 10-time AO champion - making the final not at all easy for Alcaraz.The six-time grand slam champion, however, had faced Sinner in the last three grand slam finals and leads 2-1 as well with the win in French Open and US Open while losing Wimbledon. Djokovic, on the other hand, has won 24 grand slam titles and winning one more would make him the most successful players of all time male or female.

Alcaraz beat German Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the marathon semifinal - the longest in AO history which ran for 5 hours and 27 minutes. The 22-year-old is now the youngest to reach all four grand slam finals in the open era history.

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame injury concern and loss of two-set advantage to enter his maiden Australian Open final on Friday (Jan 30). Alcaraz beat German Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the marathon semifinal - the longest in AO history which ran for 5 hours and 27 minutes. The 22-year-old is now the youngest to reach all four grand slam finals in the open era history and will be the youngest to complete the career grand slam shall he wins on Sunday (Feb 1). Alcaraz has already won rest three grand slams twice each: French Open in 2024 & 2025, Wimbledon in 2023 & 2024, and US Open in 2022 & 2025. Alcaraz calls semi vs Zverev 'physically demanding' "I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what," Alcaraz said during the on-court interview. "No matter what you’re struggling [with, what] you've been through, no matter anything, you gotta still believe in yourself all the time. Also Read: AO 2026 | 'First of its kind since 2004': Sabalenka-Rybakina road to historic women's singles final "I was struggling in the middle of the third set. Physically it was one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career, I would say, but I've been in these kinds of situations," he added. What next for Alcaraz? The Spaniard will now platy winner of Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner for his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday (Feb 1). Sinner is two-time defending champion of the tournament while Djokovic is a 10-time AO champion - making the final not at all easy for Alcaraz. The six-time grand slam champion, however, had faced Sinner in the last three grand slam finals and leads 2-1 as well with the win in French Open and US Open while losing Wimbledon. Djokovic, on the other hand, has won 24 grand slam titles and winning one more would make him the most successful players of all time male or female.

Alcaraz beat German Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in the marathon semifinal - the longest in AO history which ran for 5 hours and 27 minutes. The 22-year-old is now the youngest to reach all four grand slam finals in the open era history.

AO 2026 | 'Injury concern & losing two-set advantage': Alcaraz beats Zverev in longest tournament semi to enter maiden final

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryan Sabalenka - all top players are facing same issue at the Australian Ope 2026 - removal of their Whoop band. The band removal before their matches, most recently asked to Sinner in fourth round, has left the players confused the Whoop founder fuming. The band is approved by International Tennis Federation (ITF) but looks like the Australian Open has not okayed it yet. The players have found it dumbfounded as they wear the band during ATP and WTA matches. The Australian Open has said that they are in discussion about the usage but it is 'not allowed' as of now.<h2>What is Whoop band and why players are being asked to remove?</h2>The Whoop band is a device which monitors certain data when the players are involved matches. According to Sabalenka, who is also a Whoop ambassador, "it's just for tracking my health." She was asked to remove to her band during one of her early round matches.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-not-a-bad-thing-coco-gauff-unhappy-after-racquet-smashing-video-goes-viral-after-loss-vs-svitolina-1769524149236">AO 2026 | 'Not a bad thing': Gauff unhappy post racquet smashing goes viral</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-history-awaits-sinner-italian-star-s-qf-vs-shelton-will-get-him-closer-to-record-aus-open-title-1769512425261">Sinner,</a> who was asked to remove the band during the fourth round match vs Luciano Darderi on Monday (Jan 26), said: "There is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court. It’s not for the live thing. It’s more about [what] you can see after the match." Notably, Sinner suffered cramps due to extreme heat in the Australian Open 2026 third round match, but eventually managed to win.A day before Sinner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-alcaraz-set-on-taking-revenge-against-zverev-after-reaching-maiden-aus-open-semis-1769522693702">Alcaraz</a> was also asked to remove his Whoop band when by the umpires mid-match.Expressing frustration after Alcaraz incident, Whoop founder and CEO Will Ahmed wote on X: "Ridiculous. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids!"<h2>Why Australian Open is not allowing Whoop?</h2>Whoop was approved by WTA in 2021 and was approved by the ATP in 2024. Last year, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) also approved it for the usage during matches. The grand slam organisers, however, have not approved it yet."The reason why I was wearing that on court, because we received the email that we got approval from the ITF to wear this device. I didn't know that grand slams didn't come to conclusion,” <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-australian-open-2026-aryna-sabalenka-muscles-past-american-teen-iva-jovic-to-reach-semis-1769484656418">Sabalenka</a> said after her quarter-final win on Tuesday (Jan 27), making it confusing for the players."Wearables are currently not permitted at grand slams," said a Tennis Australia spokesperson. "The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change."Let's wait and see what decision is reached.

Whoop was approved by WTA in 2021 and was approved by the ATP in 2024. Last year, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) also approved it for the usage during matches. The grand slam organisers, however, have not approved it yet.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryan Sabalenka - all top players are facing same issue at the Australian Ope 2026 - removal of their Whoop band. The band removal before their matches, most recently asked to Sinner in fourth round, has left the players confused the Whoop founder fuming. The band is approved by International Tennis Federation (ITF) but looks like the Australian Open has not okayed it yet. The players have found it dumbfounded as they wear the band during ATP and WTA matches. The Australian Open has said that they are in discussion about the usage but it is 'not allowed' as of now. What is Whoop band and why players are being asked to remove? The Whoop band is a device which monitors certain data when the players are involved matches. According to Sabalenka, who is also a Whoop ambassador, "it's just for tracking my health." She was asked to remove to her band during one of her early round matches. Also Read: AO 2026 | 'Not a bad thing': Gauff unhappy post racquet smashing goes viral Sinner, who was asked to remove the band during the fourth round match vs Luciano Darderi on Monday (Jan 26), said: "There is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court. It’s not for the live thing. It’s more about [what] you can see after the match." Notably, Sinner suffered cramps due to extreme heat in the Australian Open 2026 third round match, but eventually managed to win. A day before Sinner, Alcaraz was also asked to remove his Whoop band when by the umpires mid-match. Expressing frustration after Alcaraz incident, Whoop founder and CEO Will Ahmed wote on X: "Ridiculous. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids!" Why Australian Open is not allowing Whoop? Whoop was approved by WTA in 2021 and was approved by the ATP in 2024. Last year, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) also approved it for the usage during matches. The grand slam organisers, however, have not approved it yet. "The reason why I was wearing that on court, because we received the email that we got approval from the ITF to wear this device. I didn't know that grand slams didn't come to conclusion,” Sabalenka said after her quarter-final win on Tuesday (Jan 27), making it confusing for the players. "Wearables are currently not permitted at grand slams," said a Tennis Australia spokesperson. "The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change." Let's wait and see what decision is reached.

Whoop was approved by WTA in 2021 and was approved by the ATP in 2024. Last year, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) also approved it for the usage during matches. The grand slam organisers, however, have not approved it yet.

AO 2026 | 'Not steroids': What is Whoop band - Sabalenka, Sinner, Alcaraz asked to remove fitness device

carlos-alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, News on Carlos Alcaraz, stories on Carlos Alcaraz, articles on Carlos Alcaraz, Carlos Alcaraz stories at Wion, Carlos Alcaraz news, Carlos Alcaraz latest news

carlos alcaraz

US Open 2026: Why it's near impossible to break the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly

US Open: 'Let's go, Ben' - Shelton beats Alcaraz in five-set thriller to SF spot

US Open 2026: Alcaraz faces Shelton in QFs, Sabalenka sets up Nosakova clash

US Open 2026: Alcaraz & Sabalenka reach last 16; Williams sisters fall on return

US Open 2026: Alcaraz, Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins

US Open: Defending champion Alcaraz makes winning return to Flushing Meadows

US Open 2026: Serena-Alcaraz crash out in mixed doubles quarter-final

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams pair up for mixed doubles

Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open 2026 due to Knee injury

'Here we go': Alcaraz announces US Open return following wrist injury layoff

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz set to comeback in US Open

Will Sinner be next? Meet players with career grand slams in men's singles

'Didn’t play at best,' says Sinner after record 32nd Masters 1000 win

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to miss French Open due to wrist injury

'Tough for tournament', says Sinner on Alcaraz withdrawing from Madrid Open

Alcaraz to not play French Open 2026? Defending champion shares injury details

Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Masters after wrist injury

Qatar Open: Alcaraz beats defending champion Rublev to secure final spot

Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz Wins Maiden Australian Open Men’s Title Defeating Djokovic

Australian Open final: Alcaraz reflects on historic feat, says 'dream come true'

Carlos Alcaraz Wins Australian Open, Becomes Youngest to Complete Career Grand Slam

'I didn't think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony': Novak Djokovic

AO 2026 final: Alcaraz beats Djokovic to become youngest career GS winner

Australian Open men's final: All you need to know - live streaming, H2H & more

AO 2026 | '1 second more of suffering': Alcaraz on fighting pain to enter final

AO 2026 | Alcaraz recreates Alonso's 'ICONIC' Spanish heritage pose after SF win