Thanks to his victory in the Australian Open final against Novak DjokovicCarlos Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to achieve a Grand Slam title on Sunday. The world number one, Alcaraz, dropped the first set as Djokovic launched an intense attack in pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title. But he rallied to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
As he left the court, he signed a television camera lens with a clear message: "Work completed. 4/4 finished."
At 22, the Spaniard made numerous runs to retrieve balls that would normally have been winners for Djokovic, maintaining constant pressure on his 38-year-old rival. The rallies continued, with each player producing enough winners to normally win a game, and neither conceding an inch.
As the match drew to a close, Alcaraz dropped his racket and lay flat on his back, his hands covering his head. He remained on the ground for a few seconds before running to the net to shake Djokovic's hand. The two players exchanged a few words, and the Serb smiled as he congratulated him. The new champion then ran to embrace his coaches sitting at courtside, and then his father and the other members of his team in the stands.
"Nobody knows how hard I worked to get this trophy."
After paying tribute to Djokovic, calling him an inspiration, Alcaraz turned his attention to his inner circle. He parted ways with his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season, and Samuel Lopez took over as head coach. "Nobody knows how hard I worked to get this trophy. I chased this moment so hard.""The preseason preparation has been emotionally turbulent," Alcaraz said.
"We simply did the necessary work; you pushed me every day to do the right things.""I am truly grateful to everyone around me right now," he added.
Djokovic joked that this confrontation could launch a rivalry for the next 10 years with Alcaraz, before stating that it was normal to let the new champion speak.
Djokovic: "Congratulations on an incredible tournament and these two exceptional weeks."
"First and foremost, congratulations on an incredible tournament and these two exceptional weeks."Djokovic said during the trophy presentation. "What you've accomplished, the best word to describe it is historic, legendary, so congratulations. I wish you all the best for the rest of your career."
Both players were coming off grueling five-set semifinals and displayed remarkable fitness, explosiveness, and stamina for just over three hours, each aiming for a historic achievement. Neither player eased up on the crucial points, and there were many. In the end, Alcaraz converted five of his sixteen break points, while Djokovic converted two of his six.
Djokovic's quest for a 25th Grand Slam singles title (he himself holds the record with 24 victories) was once again thwarted by Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner in nine Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic had overcome Sinner in the semifinals and was aiming to become the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era, but he was ultimately defeated by Alcaraz.
Nadal in the stands
Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have played epic duels, including the longest final in Australian Open history, a five-set match lasting almost six hours in 2012. Nadal watched the match from the stands on Sunday night, and the two finalists said a few words to him. "I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands."Djokovic said. "It's obviously very strange to see you there and not here, you see?" But thank you for being here. There are too many Spanish legends… It felt like two against one tonight, it wasn't fair, but oh well.
Alcaraz, for his part, stated: "I know you were watching me when I was 14 or 15, so it's been a long time. For me, it's a huge honor to play in front of you."
A historic achievement
At 22 years and 272 days old, Alcaraz became the youngest player to win all four major singles titles. He broke the record set by Don Budge at the 1938 French Open, at 22 years and 363 days. Alcaraz now has seven Grand Slam titles—his first in Australia, as well as two at Wimbledon, two at Roland Garros, and two at the US Open. He became the ninth man to achieve a career Grand Slam, joining the likes of Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer.
