Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard, defeated Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final to secure his first title there and become the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam. The 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win marked Alcaraz's seventh major overall, surpassing a record held by Don Budge for 87 years. Djokovic, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam, started strong but faded under Alcaraz's relentless pressure.
The Australian Open men's final pitted 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz against 38-year-old Novak Djokovic in a generational showdown. Djokovic, who had never lost an Australian Open final in ten prior attempts, took the first set 6-2 in just 33 minutes. However, the effects of his grueling five-set semifinal victory over Jannik Sinner two days earlier soon appeared, as Alcaraz's speed and athleticism took control.
Alcaraz, fresh from his own 5.5-hour semifinal, showed remarkable stamina. He countered Djokovic's precise play with exceptional defense and delicate drop shots, dominating the second and third sets 6-2 and 6-3. In the fourth set, Djokovic pushed back to a 40-40 tie at 4-4, but Alcaraz's powerful forehands sealed the match 7-5. Djokovic ended with 46 unforced errors, highlighting the intensity Alcaraz brought.
After the match, Djokovic praised his opponent: “What you’ve been doing, I think the best word to describe it, is historic,” he said, according to The Wall Street Journal. He later called Alcaraz's path “historic” and “legendary,” while expressing disappointment at missing his 25th title but vowing to keep competing.
This triumph was Alcaraz's first since leaving coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, quieting doubts about his form. He now joins Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer as one of the few men to win all four majors. Notably, Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the last nine Grand Slams, indicating a shift in tennis's hierarchy.
Celebrating, Alcaraz wrote “Job finished. 4/4 Complete” on the camera lens and plans a kangaroo tattoo. His next goal: a calendar-year Grand Slam, last done by a man in 1969 by Rod Laver.
