Carlos Alcaraz [AP Photo]
Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after securing the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic, who had never lost in his 10 previous finals at Melbourne Park.
The top-ranked Alcaraz dropped the first set yesterday as Djokovic came out strong in pursuit of a record 25th major title, but he dug deep to win 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5.
As he was leaving the court, he signed the lens of the TV camera with a note of recognition: “Job finished. 4/4 Complete.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard scrambled to retrieve shots that usually would have been winners for Djokovic, and he kept up intense pressure on his 38-year-old rival. There were extended rallies where each player hit enough brilliant shots to usually win a point, with neither player willing to give an inch or concede.
Once he secured victory, Alcaraz let his racket slip out of his hand and fell to the ground on his back, putting his hands to his head.
He stayed there for a few seconds before going to the net to shake hands with Djokovic.
Both players exchanged a few words, and Djokovic smiled as he congratulated Alcaraz. The new champion then ran to hug his coaches in the courtside chairs and later hugged his dad and other team members in the stands.
Both men faced a grueling challenge to recover ahead of the final after enduring marathon semi-finals.
Alcaraz battled past Alexander Zverev in an epic five-hour, 27-minute match – the third-longest in Australian Open history. Meanwhile, Djokovic delivered one of his finest performances to halt Jannik Sinner’s dominant run, winning in five sets over four hours and nine minutes.
The semi-final clash finished well past midnight in Melbourne, and Djokovic did not get to bed until 6 a.m. Saturday. Both players skipped training the day before the final as they focused on recovery.
“I think he deserves an ovation,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz also paid tribute to his team, saying, “My team over there, […] Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this so much. In preseason, I was a little bit emotional.”
At just 22 years old, Alcaraz now joins an exclusive club comprising just five other men who have won all four of tennis’ Grand Slams – the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open – in the Open Era. MDT/AP
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