Carlos Alcaraz left his mark on history Sunday’s Australian Open men’s singles finaldefeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, becoming the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam. The 22-year-old Spaniard broke the record set by Don Budge at the 1938 French Championships at 22 years and 363 days.
Alcaraz’s first career Australian Open title came against the greatest player of all time, who was 10-0 in the Melbourne final. Both players won long stretches of five sets in the semifinals, with Djokovic initially applying pressure in the first set with a 6-2 cruise, before Alcaraz fought back.
During the final three sets, Djokovic struggled against Alcaraz’s elite athleticism and speed, relying on miscues to win points rather than his usual forehand pass winners. Seeking a record-extending 25th major title, Djokovic continued to fight through a decisive fourth set until several unforced errors led to Alcaraz’s victory.
On match point, Djokovic sent a forehand wide into the corner, but Alcaraz dropped his racket, put his hands on his head and collapsed onto the court inside Rod Laver Arena in a celebratory mood.
With this victory, Alcaraz cemented his place as the world’s No. 1 player, joining Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the only male players to complete a career Grand Slam during the British Open era.
“No one knows how hard I worked to get this trophy,” Alcaraz said as he held up the trophy. “I am so grateful for this moment.”
Alcaraz now has seven major titles and is the first player to do so before turning 23.
Djokovic told Alcaraz after the match: “What you’ve done…historical, legendary are the best words to describe it.” “Congratulations and best of luck for the rest of your career. You are very young and, like me, you have a lot of time on your hands. I’m sure we’ll see each other many times over the next 10 years.”
After breaking Djokovic in the third and seventh games of the second set, Alcaraz played at a different level for the rest of the match, never slowing down and wearing Djokovic down. Alcaraz won with his only break of serve in the fourth set.
“I have to be honest,” Djokovic said in his runner-up speech, adding, “I never thought I’d be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again, so I think there’s also a sense of gratitude for what has pushed me forward these past few weeks.”
Djokovic hinted at retirement for the first time after losing at Roland Garros last year And he ended Sunday’s time at Mike on Center Court with a nod in that direction. But Djokovic continues to play at an elite level, aiming for No. 25 at a Grand Slam, considering he has finished better than the semifinals in the last few majors.
“God knows what will happen tomorrow, especially in six months or 12 months,” Djokovic said. “But it’s been a really fun journey, and I love you all.”
