Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

They're both moving well.

All eyes were going to be on their physical capabilities early in this match and if they were feeling any effects from the semi-finals.

No sign whatsoever. They both look sharp and energised.

Another convincing service game, this time from Novak Djokovic, who wraps it up with a backhand winner down the line.

Image source, Getty Images

The service motion of Carlos Alcaraz has gone through some changes in recent times and comparisons have been made with the delivery of Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard starts his first service game with an ace and completes a service hold to 15.

Image source, Getty Images

A strong start on serve by Novak Djokovic, who wins the first three points of the match and holds comfortably to 15.

Image source, Getty Images

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

Novak Djokovic must feel that this is going to be the best ever chance that he will have to win a 25th major singles title.

Image source, Getty Images

This is the trophy they're playing for.

It'll be Novak Djokovic to serve first in the Australian Open final.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think they're both very experienced playing in all sorts of conditions.

Novak Djokovic has such a great record indoors, he probably would have preferred the roof closed.

Watching them both warming up, Djokovic looks energised. He does not look fatigued at all or heavy-legged. He looks fired up.

Image source, Getty Images

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

Image source, BBC Sport

Let there be light. It is an outdoor tournament, after all.

Rod Laver Arena has switched from nightclub vibes to a tennis match in a flick of a switch.

Carlos Alcaraz will be hoping the roof stays open for the whole match. Novak Djokovic would prefer to be playing indoors.

This year's Australian Open is the 20th Grand Slam tournament that Carlos Alcaraz has played in and he is appearing in his eighth final.

He has won six of his seven major finals to date. His only defeat was against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon last year.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is playing in his 38th Grand Slam final and he has a 24-13 win-loss record in those matches.

Of his 24 Grand Slam titles, 12 were secured after his 30th birthday.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Much bigger cheers for Novak Djokovic as the players walk out.

For him to walk out and receive a reception like that - he's not had that very often - I think that will be quite special for him to have received that reception.

Image source, Getty Images

When Novak Djokovic made his main-draw debut at the Australian Open in 2005, Carlos Alcaraz had not yet celebrated his second birthday.

The Spaniard was four when Djokovic won the title in Melbourne for the first time in 2008.

The two finalists have made their way down the long walkway and now enter Rod Laver Arena.

Huge ovations for both.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

We know they like each other a lot.

There's an enormous amount of respect between them. Carlos Alcaraz has even copied his serve.

Actually they're doing a good job to avoid each other in the tunnel. They have not looked at each other yet.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

There is a standing ovation as someone enters to the right of the media seats.

Royalty? Certainly tennis royalty. It's Rafael Nadal!

The 22-time major champion, who arrived in Melbourne a few days ago, has just taken his seat in the front row.

A prime spot to see whether the man who he shared an enduring rivalry, or the heir to his throne as Spain's superstar, can create history.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Listen to live commentary of Carlos Alcaraz v Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men's singles final on BBC Radio 5 Live (UK only).

Novak Djokovic leads the head-to-head record with Carlos Alcaraz - but only just. They've played nine times before and it's 5-4 in favour of the Serb.

At Grand Slams, it's 3-2 to Alcaraz.

On hard courts, it's 3-1 to Djokovic.

In finals, it's 2-2.

In 2025, it was 1-1.

In short - this is too close to call.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will hoping the other better not feel the groove. Otherwise there might be a murder on court(floor).

I know, I know... not the smoothest reference but you must know why I'm going there...

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is here!

The British pop icon is pumping out Murder On The Dancefloor - her 00s classic-turned-surrealist film soundtrack - as the pre-final entertainment.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport tennis news reporter in Melbourne

Not a vintage summer's day in Melbourne today. But given it'll be better than Manchester, it'd be churlish to complain.

More important is what the weather means for the conditions tonight.

There were a few spots on rain earlier on the way into Melbourne Park and a few light showers are predicted about 21:00 local time.

So the forecast indicates the roof might need to be closed during the match, if not from the start.

Given there is a hefty breeze whipping around the grounds - leaving sunbrollies swaying and groomed fringes flapping - that would make conditions easier inside Rod Laver Arena.

You would think playing indoors favours the metronomy of Novak Djokovic more than the creativity of Carlos Alcaraz.