The 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final will feature one of the sport’s most compelling rivalries: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic, a matchup that blends youthful brilliance with seasoned mastery. Djokovic seeks yet another Grand Slam crown and a record-extending 25th major title, while Alcaraz aims to complete a Career Grand Slam by winning the only major missing from his résumé.
This showdown – played at Melbourne Park’s iconic Rod Laver Arena – represents a defining moment in men’s tennis in 2026.
Date and start time
The men’s final will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with the match scheduled to begin at approximately 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) in the United States.
Here’s how that translates across U.S. time zones:
- Eastern Time (ET): ~3:30 a.m.
- Central Time (CT): ~2:30 a.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): ~1:30 a.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): ~12:30 a.m.
Because Grand Slam finals don’t have fixed clocks like league games, times can vary slightly if the preceding match runs long – but viewers in the U.S. should plan for very early Sunday coverage.
Where to Watch in the U.S.
In the United States, multiple platforms offer live coverage of the Australian Open final:
- ESPN and ESPN2: Traditional TV broadcast of the match, including pre-game build-up.
- ESPN Unlimited: Streaming platform carrying the full live match if you’re subscribed to the higher-tier streaming service.
- ESPN App: Live streaming via connected devices for subscribers.
- DirecTV, Fubo, Sling (with ESPN network): Alternative paid streaming services carrying ESPN channels.
Alcaraz vs. Djokovic: What’s at Stake
The final isn’t just about a Grand Slam trophy – it’s about tennis history. Novak Djokovic, at 38 years old, is poised to break the all-time Grand Slam record and become the oldest Australian Open men’s champion if he wins. Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, is chasing a rare achievement by securing every major at least once – something few players accomplish.
Their rivalry has been one of the defining narratives of the sport, with Djokovic holding a narrow edge in their head-to-head series, and both having met previously in major finals.
Whether you’re an early-morning fan or plan to catch the re-airs later in the day, this showdown is must-watch television.
Read the full article here
