AO finals set: Djokovic vs Alcaraz, Sabalenka vs Rybakina

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will clash in the Australian Open men’s singles final after both emerged victorious in marathon semi-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina prepare for a rematch in the women’s final. Olivia Gadecki and John Peers successfully defended their mixed doubles title.

Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his 11th Melbourne Park final and aim for a 25th Grand Slam. Sinner took an early 3-0 lead and won the first set, but Djokovic rallied in the second, breaking serve and saving three break points to level the match. The third set saw Djokovic briefly struggle, holding his chest before Sinner took the set 6-4. Djokovic broke Sinner early in the fourth set to force a deciding fifth set after midnight, ultimately clinching victory on his third match point.

Alcaraz, 22, reached his first Australian Open final after a 5-hour 27-minute battle with Alexander Zverev, prevailing 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. The Spaniard, hampered by cramps and an upper leg injury, overcame a two-set deficit and multiple break points in the fifth set, becoming the youngest man in the Open era to reach finals at all four Grand Slams.

In women’s action, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka faces a rematch against Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka credited lessons from her five finals losses in 2025 for her renewed approach. “It’s just a different mentality that I will try to have in each final that I play,” she said, following a semi-final win over Elina Svitolina.

Australia’s Olivia Gadecki and John Peers defended their mixed doubles crown, defeating France’s Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard 4-6, 6-3, 10-8. The pair became the first to win consecutive mixed doubles titles at Melbourne Park since 1989. Peers said, “Thank you for playing with me again, we had great fun this week and somehow snuck away with this one.”

The men’s and women’s finals, along with the mixed doubles champions, underline a competitive Australian Open, showcasing resilience, skill, and historic achievements across singles and doubles draws.