By Obinna Uballa
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in a gripping four-set final on Sunday to win his first Australian Open title and become the youngest man in the Open era to complete a career Grand Slam.
The 22-year-old Spaniard overcame a slow start to beat the Serbian great 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena, claiming his seventh Grand Slam title and denying Djokovic a historic 25th major.
With the victory, Alcaraz added the Australian Open crown to his two Wimbledon titles and two each at the French Open and US Open, cementing his status as the undisputed world number one.
He surpassed his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal – who watched from the stands – as the youngest man to win all four majors. Nadal was 24 when he achieved the feat.
A seventh Slam places Alcaraz alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, and just one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.
“Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia is crazy,” Alcaraz said, later writing on a TV camera lens: “Job finished. Four out of four complete.”
“A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam,” he added.
He also paid tribute to Djokovic’s enduring influence on the sport.
“You were talking about how I’m doing the things I am, but what you’re doing is really inspiring, not only for tennis players but for athletes around the world.”
The loss marked Djokovic’s first defeat in an Australian Open final after winning all 10 of his previous appearances, leaving him still chasing a record 25th Grand Slam to surpass Margaret Court, who was also present at the final.
Djokovic, 38, was bidding to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title. His last major triumph came at the US Open in 2023, after which Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have largely dominated the men’s game.
“I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again,” Djokovic told the crowd. “I owe you the gratitude of pushing me forward in the last couple of weeks.”
He hinted that the final might be his last appearance at Melbourne Park.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months, so it has been a great ride,” he said, joking with Nadal in the stands: “There are too many Spanish legends. I feel like I was one against two tonight. It’s not fair.”
Both finalists had endured grueling five-set semi-finals – Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic against Sinner – raising concerns about fatigue. But neither showed signs of slowing down in a high-quality contest.
Djokovic started strongly, breaking early and dominating the rallies to take the first set in 33 minutes. He read Alcaraz’s serve well and struck with authority from the baseline.
However, Alcaraz raised his intensity in the second set, breaking for a 2-1 lead and racing through the set as Djokovic appeared to struggle physically, at one point applying eye drops between games.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with long rallies thrilling the crowd before Djokovic faltered at a crucial moment, allowing Alcaraz to take control.
In the fourth set, Djokovic saved six break points in a marathon opening service game to stay alive, but Alcaraz’s relentless pressure eventually told. Serving to stay in the match at 5-6, Djokovic cracked, allowing the Spaniard to seal a famous victory.
The result ensures Alcaraz remains world number one, with Sinner in second place and Djokovic climbing to third in the rankings.
