2023 US Open – Alcaraz’s serve transforms into a decisive weapon, holding serve 98 of 101 service games and helping him set the Open‑Era record for most major titles before age 23, while Djokovic’s loss ties him with Margaret Court at 24 Grand Slam singles titles [1][2].

Dec 2025 – Alcaraz ends a seven‑year partnership with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, paving the way for a new coaching team ahead of the Melbourne swing [1][8].

Jan 16, 2026 – Pre‑tournament analysis crowns Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as the dominant “two‑horse” force after eight consecutive majors, with Novak Djokovic positioned as the chief challenger seeking a record 25th Slam [9].

Jan 18, 2026 – Alcaraz beats Adam Walton in straight sets in his opening match, his first Grand Slam appearance since the coach split, and declares his aim to become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam [8].

Jan 21, 2026 – Alcaraz shares a round of golf with Roger Federer, praising Federer’s “beautiful” swing, then defeats Yannick Hanfmann 7‑6 (4), 6‑3, 6‑2 to reach the third round and keep his personal Slam goal alive [12].

Jan 23, 2026 – Former champion Pat Cash warns that the two‑horse dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner, who have captured the last eight majors, could be unhealthy for the sport’s broader appeal [7].

Jan 29, 2026 – For the first time since 2013, the top four seeds all reach the Australian Open semi‑finals, setting Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev and Sinner vs Novak Djokovic, while concerns surface over Djokovic’s foot blisters and limited recent match play [6].

Jan 30, 2026 – Alcaraz survives a five‑hour, 27‑minute marathon against Zverev, winning 6‑4 7‑6 (5) 6‑7 (3) 6‑7 (4) 7‑5 despite a controversial medical timeout, and Djokovic defeats Sinner 3‑6 6‑3 4‑6 6‑4 6‑4, becoming the oldest man ever to reach an Australian Open final [4][5].

Jan 31, 2026 – Analysts note that a Djokovic win would deliver a record 25th major and break Margaret Court’s all‑time tally, while an Alcaraz victory would complete the career Grand Slam and make him the youngest ever holder of all four crowns; Djokovic says the final “is no different from any other big match,” and Alcaraz says he would choose this title to complete his Grand Slam [3].

Feb 1, 2026 – Alcaraz defeats Djokovic 2‑6 6‑2 6‑3 7‑5 to claim his first Australian Open, his seventh major and the youngest career‑Grand‑Slam ever, securing his world No. 1 ranking, breaking Don Budge’s age record, and calling the win “a dream come true” while thanking his new coaching staff [1][10][11].

Feb 1, 2026 – After the triumph, Alcaraz looks ahead to Roland Garros, saying a calendar Slam will be “a big challenge” and that he will focus on one major at a time, confirming his split with Ferrero and new coach Samuel Lopez [1].

Feb 5, 2026 – Elena Rybakina captures her second Grand Slam by beating Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final, climbing to world No. 3, while Djokovic’s semifinal win over Sinner lifts him to world No. 3 in the men’s rankings after four semifinals and a final in the last five majors [13].