Novak Djokovic has described Carlos Alcaraz as a tennis legend at just 22 years old after the Spaniard defeated him in the Australian Open final to become the youngest male player in history to complete a career Grand Slam. Alcaraz won 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday, adding the Australian Open title to his previous triumphs at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
The world No. 1 played a composed match, recovering from a blistering first set from Djokovic to win in four sets. Alcaraz is now the youngest man in the Open Era to win seven Grand Slam titles. Djokovic, who was attempting to become the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era, praised his opponent's character and achievements.
“The results are a testament to his already stellar career,” Djokovic said. “He deserves every bit of the praise that he gets from his peers. He’s a very nice young man. Good values, nice family. Of course, already a legendary tennis player that made already a huge mark in the history books of tennis with only 22 years of age. It’s super impressive.”
Alcaraz’s victory came in his first tournament since splitting with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and appointing Samuel López as his head coach. The decision had drawn criticism, but Alcaraz said he was glad to have silenced the doubters. “I didn’t think about those people that had doubts about it,” he said. “I’m just happy to prove all the people were wrong.”
Alcaraz commemorates his Grand Slam titles with tattoos and is already planning a kangaroo tattoo for his Australian Open win. “I’ve said it’s going to be a little kangaroo,” he said. “It’s going to be in the leg, for sure. I just have to choose a good spot.”
