After a remarkably dramatic semifinal Friday at Melbourne Park, the stage is set for a historic Australian Open final. Both Novak Djokovic, ten times a champion Down Under, and Carlos Alcaraz, seeking his first Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, have the chance to make history on Sunday. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for the final, but who will come out on top?
Australian Open Men’s Prediction
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
Ateet: On what was surely one of the best days of tennis ever, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz showed herculean desire and fight to beat last year’s finalists, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Both Djokovic and Alcaraz are going for history, but who will have more gas left in the tank? The Spaniard has a huge advantage when it comes to age, but Djokovic has never lost a final here. It’s always difficult to go against the Serbian superstar, but I think Alcaraz will play with more variety than Sinner and take away Djokovic’s legs.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Andreas: Djokovic is the greatest of all time. He reminded fans that when he stunned Jannik Sinner on Friday to set-up a tenth career meeting against world #1 Alcaraz. Both are coming off exhausting, thrilling semifinals, and expect both players to be close to dead even.
This is a rematch of last year’s Australian Open quarterfinal, and Djokovic wore down the Spaniard in a four-setter. But overall, Alcaraz’s serve is a bit steadier this year, and Djokovic has lost a step as he’s aged. The Serb was vintage in his victory over Sinner, but can he do it twice? Against an energetic and athletic player of Alcaraz’s calibre, it could be a difficult task.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Jordan: Djokovic’s five-set triumph over Jannik Sinner at nearly 39 was extraordinary even by his standards. It would be wrong to rule him out his chances after that effort, especially since Alcaraz had an even longer match against Zverev in which he battled cramps. Having said that, the Spaniard should have an easier time recovering than his legendary opponent. Winning this after his effort against Sinner would be the most remarkable moment of Djokovic’s career. While victory isn’t impossible, the Serbian running out of steam is the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Harsh: Recovery for both players will be key. Djokovic has less time than Alcaraz but the Spaniard looked done and dusted at times in the semis. The night session should suit Djokovic more as it did against Sinner but the Serb’s body may not hold in a back to back tussle with the young guns. That said, Djokovic has proven everyone wrong time and again. Maybe this is his time to win a 25th Slam.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Zain: A year removed from their quarterfinal clash at this very tournament, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic meet once again at the Australian Open, this time in the final, with historic milestones in sight for both players.
This will be a test for Alcaraz’s new serve and Djokovic’s recovery rate. While Alcaraz passed that test against Djokovic at the US Open last year, Djokovic in recent years has often failed to be physically 100% in back-to-back matches. However, these court conditions suit Djokovic, and he has won 10 titles here. So, barring any physical issues, this should be a thrilling contest, but ultimately one in which the younger and, as things currently stand, better player finds a way to come out on top.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Jim: Djokovic clearly takes some beating in Melbourne. Sinner had been the man to do it, dismantling the Serbian in the semifinals two years ago, but the Italian experienced the 10-time champion at his most resilient if not his very best on Friday. The question for Djokovic now is whether he can go again physically.
I wrote him off too early against Sinner, forgetting perhaps that he is a man for the big occasion, and under lights on Sunday will certainly be a big occasion. But Alcaraz has had his number of late, and though he cramped against Zverev, he will likely have made a full recovery come Sunday. Don’t discount Djokovic, but this may well be a challenge too far for the great man.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Ilemona: Novak Djokovic arrives in the final drained but emboldened, having survived a brutal five-set test against Jannik Sinner that reaffirmed his authority in Melbourne. Carlos Alcaraz was also pushed to the limit, and while the Spaniard won their last Grand Slam final meeting at Wimbledon in 2024, this stage and these conditions still tilt toward Djokovic. Expect long rallies, momentum swings, and physical strain on both sides, but Djokovic’s ability to problem-solve over five sets at the Australian Open remains unmatched.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images