Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are making headlines at the 2026 Australian Open, and it’s not because of their matchups. The Serbian legend delivered a commanding performance, writing another chapter in the history books, while the Spaniard’s playstyle adjustments have sparked widespread debate on social media.
Novak Djokovic on Carlos Alcaraz Copying His Serve Style
Video clips of Alcaraz working with a noticeably modified serve motion emerged ahead of the Australian Open. Social media was quickly filled with discussion as fans identified similarities between the World No. 1’s new serving style, which has defined much of Djokovic’s legendary career.
When asked about the evident similarities during the Australian Open media day, Alcaraz stated that he wasn’t deliberately copying Djokovic, but he did notice the similar movement.
When media personnel posed the same question to Djokovic following his opening-round victory, specifically asking whether he had seen any video footage of Alcaraz’s new motion, the Serbian legend responded with his iconic humor.
“As soon as I saw it, I sent him a message, and I said, ‘We have to speak about the copyrights,'” Djokovic said with a smile. “And then when I saw him here, I told him, ‘We have to speak about the percentage of his winnings. Every ace, I expect a tribute to me, every ace that he makes here.’ So let’s see if he’s going to stick to the agreement.”
The comment drew laughter from the assembled press and went viral on social media, showing the mutual respect between the two competitors.
Alcaraz explained why he was trying out a new serving style during the practice sessions, saying, “I’m just making changes all the time, every tournament, every day, without someone has to tell me. Like, for example, I just changing the movement a little bit. Now with this movement on the serve, I just feel really, really comfortable, smooth, really calm and peaceful rhythm, which I think helps me a lot to do a better serve.”
This shows that, despite his immense success on the ATP Tour, the World No. 1 is never resting and is always looking for ways to improve his game. This constant drive for improvement is what separates him from the rest of the tour.
Djokovic’s Historic 2026 Australian Open First-Round Match Against Pedro Martinez
Djokovic launched his campaign for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding performance, taking on Spain’s Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena. The victory marked his 100th career win at Melbourne Park, placing him in exclusive company as a centurion at the prestigious venue. By reaching the 100-win milestone at the Australian Open, Djokovic became the first male player ever to reach 100 or more victories at three different Grand Slam tournaments, with 100 wins at Melbourne Park, 101 at Roland Garros, and 102 at Wimbledon.
MORE: Novak Djokovic’s Historic 100th Australian Open Win: Wife Jelena Shows Support
Additionally, by entering his 21st Australian Open campaign, Djokovic equaled Roger Federer’s all-time tournament record, and by competing in his 81st Grand Slam tournament overall, he tied both Federer and Spain’s Feliciano Lopez for most Grand Slam appearances in men’s history.
Djokovic showed exceptional serving efficiency throughout the match, winning 93% of points on his first serve while losing only five points across his entire service delivery. The Serbian fired 14 aces and didn’t face a single break point opportunity during the two-hour encounter. He now faces the Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli with a win probability of 94%, according to PFSN’s exclusive interactive simulator.
