Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a set down to defeat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open final, securing his first title at Melbourne Park and completing a career Grand Slam. At 22, the Spaniard is the youngest man to achieve the feat, breaking a record held by Don Budge since 1938.
Alcaraz struggled in the opening set as Djokovic produced a high-quality display, but he worked his way into the match by using width and angles, while absorbing the Serb's aggression. Djokovic, 38, fought tenaciously in the fourth set, but Alcaraz held firm to seal a monumental victory.
“Completing a career grand slam was something that was on my mind,” said Alcaraz. “Every time that I come here to Australia, I made the pre-season just with my mind into this tournament to try to work as hard as I can and to be as well-prepared as I can, you know, to play this tournament and trying to get the trophy.”
Djokovic, who was attempting to become the oldest grand slam champion in the Open era and claim a record 25th major title, reflected on his achievements: “Sometimes you don’t stop yourself and think about what you’re doing... I’m just trying to have time to realise what I’ve been doing. I know I’m doing history with some trophies, some tournaments, some achievement that I’ve been getting. For me it’s an honour to put my name on the history books.”
The victory came just six weeks after Alcaraz split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and promoted Samuel López to head coach, a decision that drew criticism. Alcaraz responded by winning the very next major, the tournament he most wanted to claim.
