Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a set down to defeat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open final on Sunday, becoming the youngest man to complete a career grand slam at the age of 22. The Spaniard, who had struggled in the opening 45 minutes, produced a composed performance to deny Djokovic a record 25th grand slam title.
Djokovic started at a staggering level, serving precisely and striking his forehand cleanly to take the first set. However, Alcaraz worked his way into the match, intelligently forcing Djokovic off the court with width and angles while soaking up the Serb's aggression with his defence. Djokovic struggled physically towards the end but mounted a spectacular last stand in the fourth set, generating a break point at 4-4 that could have changed the match. Alcaraz recovered to close out the win.
Alcaraz, who had previously lost in the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2024 and the third round in 2022, said completing the career grand slam was on his mind. '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,' he said. The victory came just six weeks after he split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, promoting Samuel López to head coach.
Djokovic, 38, was aiming to become the oldest grand slam champion in the open era. 'What I've learned this year is about appreciate and enjoy every single second of the moment you're living,' he said. 'For me it's an honour to put my name on the history books.'
