Carlos Alcaraz made tennis history Sunday night at Melbourne Park, defeating Novak Djokovic to become the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam.
The top-ranked Spaniard rallied from a set down to beat Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open final, denying the Serbian star a record 25th major singles title and handing him his first defeat in 11 finals at the tournament.
At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz completed a full set of all four major singles titles, breaking a record that had stood since Don Budge achieved the feat at the 1938 French Championships at 22 years and 363 days.
Djokovic came out aggressively, dictating play early as he chased another piece of history, but Alcaraz absorbed the pressure and gradually turned the match. The Spaniard chased down shots that are normally winners for Djokovic and sustained relentless pace during extended rallies, forcing errors from his 38-year-old opponent as the match wore on.
After sealing the victory, Alcaraz dropped his racket and lay on his back on the court, hands on his head, before rising to embrace Djokovic at the net. As he left the court, he signed the television camera lens with a simple message: “Job finished. 4/4 Complete.”
Djokovic congratulated Alcaraz warmly, smiling as he spoke with him at the net. Alcaraz then ran to the stands to embrace his coaches and family, including his father, celebrating his first Australian Open title.
Paying tribute to his opponent during the trophy ceremony, Alcaraz described Djokovic as a constant source of inspiration. He also thanked his support team after a turbulent preseason that followed his split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, with Samuel Lopez stepping in to lead the team.
“Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve chased this moment for so long. We did the right work, and you pushed me every day to do the right things.”
Djokovic suggested the final could be the start of a rivalry that defines the next decade, before turning the spotlight fully on the champion.
“What you’ve been doing can only be described as historic,” Djokovic said. “It’s legendary. Congratulations, and I wish you the best for the rest of your career.”
Both players entered the final after grueling five-set semifinal victories and displayed remarkable stamina over just more than three hours. Alcaraz converted five of 16 break points, while Djokovic took two of his six chances.
The loss means Djokovic has now been blocked from a 25th major title in nine consecutive Grand Slam tournaments by either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, who edged Sinner in the semifinals, was also attempting to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open era.
Rafael Nadal, the 22-time major champion, watched the final from the stands, prompting comments from both players during the ceremony. Djokovic joked about the imbalance of Spanish legends in attendance, while Alcaraz called it an honor to play in front of Nadal, whom he said had watched him since his early teens.
Alcaraz now owns seven Grand Slam titles, adding the Australian Open to his previous triumphs at Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S. Open. He is the ninth man to complete a career Grand Slam, joining an elite group that includes Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.
AP
