Carlos Alcaraz won a pulsating Australian Open final to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam – ending Novak Djokovic’s latest attempt to land a 25th major title in the process.
Alcaraz, 22, immediately collapsed on the court in celebration after clinching a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory in Melbourne.
Despite his disappointment, Djokovic showed his sportsmanship by clambering over the net to warmly hug Alcaraz on creating a slice of history.
However, he knows might not earn any better opportunities to underline his place as the greatest player of all-time.
Afterwards, the 10-time champion placed doubt on whether he would be on court in Melbourne.
“I didn’t think I’d be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again,” Djokovic told the 15,000 crowd.
“Who knows what happens tomorrow, never mind the next six or 12 months, but it has been a great ride.”
Spanish world number one Alcaraz struggled in the opening exchanges as 38-year-old Djokovic used his nous to dominate his younger opponent.
But Alcaraz found more rhythm from the baseline and outlasted the Serb fourth seed to claim his seventh major title.
Alcaraz is only the ninth man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
