Alcaraz beats Djokovic to win Australian Open and complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. The 22-year-old Spaniard won 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, joining Nadal, Federer and Djokovic in the elite list

Melbourne: Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after winning the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic, who had never lost in his 10 previous finals at Melbourne Park.

The top-ranked Alcaraz dropped the first set on Sunday as Djokovic chased a record 25th major title, but he fought back to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. As he left the court, he signed the TV camera lens with a note: “Job finished. 4/4 Complete.”

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The 22-year-old Spaniard scrambled to retrieve shots that usually would be winners for Djokovic and kept up constant pressure on his 38-year-old rival. There were long rallies where both hit brilliant shots, with neither willing to give an inch.

After sealing victory, Alcaraz let his racket slip, fell to the ground on his back, and put his hands to his head before shaking hands with Djokovic. The two exchanged words, with Djokovic smiling as he congratulated him. The new champion then hugged his coaches in the courtside chairs and later his father and other team members in the stands.

After paying tribute to Djokovic for being an inspiration, Alcaraz turned to his support team. He parted ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season and Samuel Lopez stepped up to head the team. “Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much,” Alcaraz said. The pre-season was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally.

“We just did the right work, you were pushing me every day to do all the right things,” he added. “I’m really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.”

Djokovic joked about this showdown setting up a rivalry over the next 10 years with Alcaraz, but then said it was only right to hand the floor over to the new champion.

“First and foremost, congratulations to an amazing tournament and amazing couple of weeks,” Djokovic said at the trophy presentation. “What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe is historic, legendary, so congratulations. I wish the best of luck in the rest of your career.”

Both players were coming off grueling five-set semifinal wins and showed great fitness, athleticism and stamina for just over three hours in pursuit of their own historic achievements.

Neither was willing to relent on the big points, and there were many of them. In the end, Alcaraz converted five of the 16 breakpoints he set up. Djokovic converted two of his six.

Djokovic’s push for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title has now been blocked by Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner for nine majors. Djokovic edged Sinner in the semifinals and was aiming to be the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era, but fell short against Alcaraz.

Rafa in the house
Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played some epic matches, including the longest match ever at the Australian Open in a five-set final that lasted almost six hours in 2012.

Nadal was watching from the stands on Sunday night, and both players addressed the 22-time major winner.

“I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here.

“But thank you for being present. It’s too many Spanish legends… It felt like it was two against one tonight, it wasn’t fair, but OK.”

Alcaraz said it was a privilege: “I know you were watching me when I was 15, 14 years old, so it’s been a long time. For me, it’s such an honor playing in front of you.”

One for the ages
At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz is the youngest man to complete all four major singles titles. He broke the mark set by Don Budge in the 1938 French championships, when he was 22 years and 363 days.

Alcaraz now has seven major titles — his first in Australia along with two each at Wimbledon and the French and US Opens.

He is the ninth man to achieve the career Grand Slam, a list that also includes Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.