Alcaraz writes history as youngest to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz wrote his own history while denying Novak Djokovic another record on Sunday with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 defeat of the world No. 4 to win a first Australian Open.

Alcaraz, the world No. 1, was rocked in the opening set by the 38-year-old Serb with a record 10 trophies here as Djokovic took early control.

But the dream slowly evaporated in just over three hours for the 24-time Grand Slam champion who won his last major at the US Open three years ago but has since played five semi-finals and two finals at the majors.

At age 22, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man – and ninth overall – to complete the career Grand Slam, titles at all four of the majors. Djokovic was also chasing history as he sought a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, he most ever recorded in the sport. 

With Djokovic the last of the iconic Big 3 players still active, the changing of the guard between himself, Roger Federer and Melbourne VIP guest Rafa Nadal and the young gun pair of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is complete.

Between them Alcaraz and Italy’s Sinner have won nine Grand Slam titles in a row since Djokovic claimed the US Open – his 24th – in September, 2023.”Novak deserves an ovation for sure,” Alcaraz said in his victory speech. “he has been really inspiring to what I’m doing and also to people around the world.

“You put in the hard work every day, it’s an honour to share the court and the locker room with you.”

Sinner’s victory marked his seventh Grand Slam singles title and his first here; Djokovic, a 10-time Melbourne champion, had never lost a final at the event.

“No one knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy,” Alcaraz said. “My team and I did the right work, I’m grateful for everyone in my corner – this is your trophy also.”

Watching the final was Nadal, who came to Australia for longtime sponsor Kia.

“This is the first time Rafa has watched me as a pro,” Alcaraz said. “We had a few great battles on court (2-1 to Nadal).”

Alcaraz closed out victory with a break in the final game of Djokovic as the Serb drilled a forehand wide and Alcaraz fell on his back on the court in pure joy.

At the start, Djokovic shot off to a quick lead to claim the opening set 6-2 as the full-house crowd in the Rod Laver arena went wild for the early success of the veteran campaigner.

But Alcaraz, more than  a decade and a half younger than the 38-year-old fourth seed, was quick to reverse the trend, levelling the final at a set apiece with his own 5-2 reply.

The Spaniard claiming the third set 6-3 to take the 2-1 lead on sets lead as Djokovic fought to regain his momentum 

Djokovic fought hard in the fourth as his energy supplies began to dwindle, with the veteran saving six break points in a 12-minute second game as he squared the set at one game apiece.

Djokovic may have been feeling his exertions 48 hours earlier in the quarter-finals when he battled for more than four hours to defeat Sinner; Alcaraz went five and a half hours in his semi to defeat Alexander Zverev.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz celebrates – ATPTour.com