Two Grand Slam finals away from history: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner can equal staggering Djokovic-Nadal record at 2026 Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have in turn been making history in the ATP Tour these past few years. Their rivalry has grabbed the attention on a regular basis, with their dominant streak in Grand Slam tournaments set to put them on the same level as some of the prior greats.

Last year saw Alcaraz and Sinner motor away from the chasing pack. They were almost unbeatable to anyone, even their closest rivals in the rankings. In fact, Sinner would only go on to lose to two players who were not called Alcaraz in 2025: Alexander Bublik and Tallon Griekspoor. He would win two Grand Slams, the Paris Masters and defend his ATP Finals crown in Turin.

While this was impressive, he could have achieved more if it was not for his three-month suspension. In this time, Alcaraz was making a huge impression, going deep into events and winning big titles. He would go on to defend his Roland Garros title against Sinner in the first of three consecutive major final matchups. He went to Wimbledon as the red-hot favourite to defend his title, but was prevented by the Italian who was imperious at SW19. The battle would prolong into the North American hardcourt swing where Alcaraz got his revenge in the US Open final, regaining the world number one spot and tasting success at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022.

These three consecutive Grand Slam final clashes puts the duo in very special territory. Not many players have experienced domination like this in their pomp or have even capitalised on this. Alcaraz and Sinner have, with another record in touching distance.

With the Australian Open rapidly approaching, they are the odds on favourite to once again meet in the final. This would take their tally to four and thus equalling the record set by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal between 2011 and 2012.

It began at the 2011 Wimbledon where Djokovic would not only make but win his first Wimbledon crown in four sets. A couple of months later, the Spaniard searched for revenge but could only muster up another second place to the Serbian who sprant away in the later stages for his maiden US Open title. What followed was an absolute masterpiece played out between the two in the 2012 Australian Open final. The match took five hours and 53 minutes to compete, with Djokovic narrowly getting over the line to defend his title. He looked to make it four on the spin against Nadal, but he was unable to get close in the Roland Garros final. Nadal was dominant at the venue, and finally got one over Djokovic to record his seventh title in Paris. He would end up with 14.

Alcaraz and Sinner have the chance to go level with this record in Melbourne, but it is not as easy as it may seem. While Sinner is the two-time reigning champion, Alcaraz has never ventured past the quarter-final stage in the only Grand Slam he is yet to taste glory in. His routinely slow starts to a campaign in Oceania may seem to be a threat to this record, and his chances of completing a Grand Slam.

The 22-year-old will be hoping for a change of fortunes, with the record in touching distance. If they meet in the final of the Australian Open and French Open in June, then the record will be theirs. Adding to that, with their absurd authority they possess on the court, it could be a while before someone breaks this incredible streak. The Australian Open will commence from January 18 - February 1.