Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open final to claim his first title in Melbourne and become the youngest man in the Open era to complete a career Grand Slam. The 22-year-old Spaniard denied Djokovic a record 25th major and secured his seventh Grand Slam title, cementing his status as the world number one
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz kisses the winner’s trophy in Melbourne on Sunday. Pics/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz swept past Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open on Sunday and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, denying the Serbian great an unprecedented 25th major.
The Spaniard was imperious after a slow start in dismissing the 38-year-old, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena to claim a seventh Slam title and cement himself as undisputed World No. 1.
He becomes the youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors, adding to his two titles each from Wimbledon and the French and US Opens.
An ecstatic Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after his victory on Sunday
At 22, he surpassed legendary countryman Rafael Nadal — in the crowd to witness the feat — who was 24 when he did the same. A seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. “Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy,” Alcaraz said, before writing on a TV camera lens: “Job finished. Four out of four complete.”
He added: “A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam.”
He paid tribute to Djokovic. “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 athletes around the world.”
It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously.
22 years 272 days
Carlos Alcaraz is now the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam, moving ahead of American Don Budge (22 years, 363 days in 1938)
Seven
No. of Grand Slam titles won by Alcaraz — the second-most before turning 23, after Sweden’s Bjorn Borg (8)
One
No. of Australian Open final defeats for Novak Djokovic; he has won all 10 previous championship matches in Melbourne
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