Carlos Alcaraz has broken tennis’ 87-year-old record for the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam after staging a valiant fightback against Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open title.
The 22-year-old world No.1 overcame an early onslaught by Tour veteran Djokovic to seal a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, victory in Melbourne Park. Alcaraz has now won seven Grand Slam titles during his career after triumphing twice at each of the other three. He is the youngest male player in the Open Era to reach this tally and has now won nine out of his last 10 meetings against top-five players at major events.
Alcaraz’s triumph continues his and Jannik Sinner’s dominance at the majors, with the duo winning the last nine between them. In his showdown with Djokovic, he fired 36 winners and converted five break points to score his fifth Tour-level win over the Serbian. Becoming the 12th player in history to have beaten the 10-time champion five or more times.
“My team, I think nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy,” Alcaraz said during the trophy presentation.
“It has been a little bit of a rollercoaster emotionally. We went through not hearing anything about what the people were saying before coming to Australia. We just did the right work.
“You were pushing me every day to do all the right things.
“I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now. This trophy is always yours.”
How the match unfolded
Contesting his 105th Grand Slam at the age of 38, Djokovic rolled back the years with an outstanding start to the match, which saw him hit just one unforced error in the first four games played. The Serbian’s game plan of piling pressure on the Alcaraz forehand was effective, and he used his experience to dictate the rallies. Djokovic first drew blood in the fourth game after a backhand error from his rival to move ahead 3-1. Surging in momentum, he worked his way to set point at 5-2 by hitting a blistering forehand winner in less than 40 minutes. Then on the following point, he hit another deep return to draw a mistake from across the court and seal the opener.
Alcaraz, who is 16 years younger than his rival, quickly regained his footing in the second frame as Djokovic started to wilt from his electric start with a noticeable drop in his serving speed and intensity. This paved the way for the top seed to break twice en route to levelling the match with relative ease.
As the roof started to gradually close over Rod Laver due to the threat of rain, Alcaraz’s comeback gained momentum as he capitalised on back-to-back Djokovic mistakes to break mid-way through the third set and lead for the first time. Both men continued to give their all on the court, but it was the Spaniard who had the extra 10 per cent, returning shots when on the back foot to steer rallies in his favour. This was best illustrated in the last game of the third frame, when Djokovic came back from a 0-40 deficit but failed to hold serve and ended up hitting two errors, allowing his opponent to move to a set from victory.
Beaten and bruised, Djokovic opted for a medical timeout as he contemplated his next move heading into the fourth. The desire was still there as he fist pumped in the air after holding at the start of the fourth. He then had a golden opportunity to take proceedings into a decider when ahead 4-3, 30-0, but was unable to capitalise. After that, Alcaraz steadily worked his way to victory, converting his first championship point with the help of a Djokovic backhand going long.
“Novak, I think he deserves an ovation. You’re talking about how I’m doing these amazing things, but what you’re doing is truly inspiring. Not only for the players but the athletes, all the people around the world and for me as well,” said Alcaraz.
“Just putting in the right work, hard work every day with your team, every tournament you go to and playing great. I enjoy watching you play. For me, it’s been an honour sharing the locker and sharing the court with you.”
Alcaraz joins Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic as being the only players to achieve a career Grand Slam in the Open Era. He is the youngest to do so since Don Budge in 1938.
Djokovic coy on future as Nadal watches on
As Alcaraz celebrates victory, Djokovic misses out on becoming the oldest male grand Slam champion in the Open Era and the first player – male or female – to win a 25th major. An instrumental figure in the sport for two decades, he admits he is approaching the closing stages of his career with no guarantee of a return in 12 months’ time.
“This has been my 21st year, maybe 22nd year coming to Australia.” Said Djokovic.
“I always believe in myself and I think that is something that is truly needed and necessary when you’re playing at this level against incredible players like Carlos and Jannick.
“I didn’t think that I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again. I owe (the Australian Open fans) you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward for the last couple of weeks.
“God knows what will happen tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. It has been a great ride. I love you guys.”
Djokovic’s heartfelt message was in front of former rival Rafael Nadal, who returned to the event this year. He also attended the ‘Night of the Legends’ event that took place before the final.
“It feels very weird to see you there and not here (on court).” He said to Nadal.
“I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you and to have you watching the finals here.
“There were too many Spanish legends; it felt like it was two against one tonight. It wasn’t fair, but okay.”
Alcaraz also paid tribute to the king of clay, who is the only Spanish tennis player to have won more Grand Slams than him.
“It’s such an honour playing in front of you,” Alcaraz commented.
“We had great battles on the court, but not many. It was an honour sharing the court, practising and playing matches. Now, seeing you watching my matches, for me, it’s just a privilege.”
Alcaraz has now won 25 Tour titles in 86 main draws played. Since the ATP Tour season started in 1990, no other player have managed to play fewer main draws to reach this tally.
