Carlos Alcaraz has become the youngest male player in history to complete the career grand slam, defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open final at the age of 22. The world No 1, who had previously won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open twice, played a mature match to claim his seventh grand slam title, the most by any man under 23 in the open era.
Djokovic, who was attempting to become the oldest grand slam champion in the open era, praised his opponent after the match. 'He's already a legendary tennis player that made already a huge mark in the history books of tennis with only 22 years of age,' said the Serbian. 'It's super impressive, no doubt about it.'
Alcaraz's victory came in his first tournament since splitting with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and appointing Samuel López as his head coach. The decision had drawn criticism, but Alcaraz said he was happy to prove the doubters wrong. 'I came here just playing for myself, playing for my team,' he said. 'Once I get it, I'm just happy to prove all the people were wrong.'
To commemorate his first Australian Open title, Alcaraz plans to get a kangaroo tattoo on his leg, joining his existing tattoos for his other grand slam wins. 'I've said it's going to be a little kangaroo. It's going to be in the leg, for sure,' he said.
