Carlos Alcaraz won a pulsating Australian Open final to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam – ending Novak Djokovic’s latest attempt to land a 25th major title in the process.
The 22-year-old immediately collapsed on the court in celebration after clinching a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory in Melbourne.
Despite his disappointment, Djokovic showed his sportsmanship by clambering over the net to warmly congratulate Alcaraz on creating a slice of history.
However, the Serb great will know he may never have another better opportunity to underline his place as the greatest player of all-time.
Afterwards, the 10-time champion placed doubt on whether he would be on court in Melbourne again.
“I didn’t think I’d be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again,” Djokovic, 38, told the crowd.
“Who knows what happens tomorrow, never mind the next six or 12 months, but it has been a great ride.”
Spanish world number one Alcaraz struggled in the opening exchanges as Djokovic used all his nous to dominate.
But Alcaraz found more rhythm from the baseline and outlasted the fourth seed to claim his seventh major title.
Alcaraz is only the ninth man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – and the first since Djokovic in 2016.
Alcaraz’s victory means Djokovic’s wait to break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles title goes on.
Djokovic has been tied with Australia’s Court – who was watching on Rod Laver Arena – since winning the 2023 US Open.
Over the past two seasons, Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner have emerged as the dominant forces in the men’s game.
Alcaraz’s maiden win on the Melbourne hard courts means the pair have lifted the past nine major trophies between them.
Djokovic produced a superhuman effort to beat second seed Sinner in Friday’s semi-finals, but beating both of his younger opponents back-to-back always looked like being a step too far.
“The work you have been doing is historic – legendary,” Djokovic told Alcaraz.
With a grin, he added: “You’re still young so I’m sure we will be seeing each other many more times over the years.”
History was on the line for both superstars in a highly anticipated final that ensured a rather underwhelming Australian Open ended with a flourish.
Following their gruelling semi-finals on Friday, neither player trained on Saturday, leaving everyone wondering how they would pull up on Sunday.
After being rocked by a deep Alcaraz return at 15-30, he clattered another forehand into the net on championship point.
“[It was] a bad miss at 4-4 and break point – my forehand broke down in important moments,” Djokovic added.
“One or two shots can change the momentum of the match and switch things around, which happened.”
BBC
