Alcaraz edges Djokovic in battle of the ages

MELBOURNE, Australia — Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after securing 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 Sunday, as Djokovic went hard in pursuit of a record 25th major title, but the Spaniard rallied to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

The 22-year-old scrambled to retrieve shots that usually would be winners for Djokovic, and he kept up intense pressure on his 38-year-old rival.

Once he secured victory, Alcaraz let his racket slip out of his hand and fell to the ground on his back, covering his face with his hands.

He stayed there for a few seconds before going to the net to shake hands with Djokovic. Both players exchanged a few words and Djokovic smiled as he congratulated Alcaraz. The new champion then ran to hug his coaches in the courtside chairs, and later his dad and other team members in the stands.

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

Neither player was willing to relent on the big points — and there were many of them. In the end, Alcaraz was able to convert five of the 16 break points 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 over 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 didn't quite make it past Alcaraz.

'Great ride'

Djokovic said it had been "a great ride", and said that only "God knows what happens tomorrow" after losing Sunday's final.

The defeat leaves Djokovic stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles, equal with Margaret Court, and one short of the all-time outright record.

Afterwards, he admitted that he had not expected to reach a major final again and suggested the future was uncertain.

The former world No 1 has not always had an easy relationship with the fans in Melbourne, but told the crowd: "I want to just say, in the end, that you guys, particularly, the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia.

"That much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years."

Djokovic, whose last major final was defeat to Alcaraz at Wimbledon in 2024, added: "I must be very honest and say that I didn't think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again.

"So, I think I owe you the gratitude, as well, for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks.

"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So, it has been a great ride. I love you guys."

He also joked with Rafael Nadal, who was in the stands, saying:"There are too many Spanish legends. I feel like I was one against two tonight. It's not fair."

At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz is now the youngest man to complete a set of 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.

At 22, he surpassed legendary compatriot Nadal, who was two years older when he achieved the feat.

The Aussie title puts him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

"It's an honor to be here in Melbourne every year," Alcaraz said, before writing on the lens of a TV camera: "Job finished. Four out of four complete."

"So, I just want to say thank you very much for pushing me in the tough moments during the matches."

He then paid tribute to Djokovic.

"You were talking about how I'm doing the things I am, but what you're doing is really inspiring, not only for tennis players, but athletes around the world."

Both men battled through five long sets in their semifinals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic with Sinner, and recovery was always going to be a key factor.

Agencies