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Carlos Alcaraz won his maiden Australian Open title with a strong comeback win over Novak Djokovic at the Melbourne Park on Sunday, February 1 in the men's singles final of the annual event.
Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to complete a career Grand Slam at the age of just 22 years and eight months, thus breaking the record of fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal to become the youngest man ever to achieve this feat. Nadal was in the stands to witness his record being surpassed by the top-ranked tennis star right now.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion started the final in top form, winning the opening set in no time. However, the tide turned in the second set as Alcaraz replied back with equal intensity. By the third set, Alcaraz had established his superiority that he maintained in the next set as well to win his first tile at the Melbourne Park.
After his historic victory, the first thing that the 22-year-old talked about was his opponent.
"I want to talk about Novak - he deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about how I'm doing amazing things, but what you're doing is inspiring - not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well," he said.
He also talked about Nadal who was in attendance as Alcaraz went past his record.
"It's a bit weird seeing Rafa [Nadal] in the stands. I think it's the first time as a professional because I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old. It's such an honour playing in front of you, we had great battles on the court and it was an honour sharing the court with you. Thank you for being here," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said.
Meanwhile, the 10-time Australian Open winner showered praise on Alcaraz after the Spaniard defeated him.
"First and foremost, of course congratulations Carlos. An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you have been doing, the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary," Djokovic said. "I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career."
With his win, Alcaraz also equalled the record of Bjorn Bjorg for most Grand Slam titles under the age of 23 in Open era.
Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to complete a career Grand Slam at the age of just 22 years and eight months, thus breaking the record of fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal to become the youngest man ever to achieve this feat. Nadal was in the stands to witness his record being surpassed by the top-ranked tennis star right now.
Alcaraz says Djokovic inspiring him
The 24-time Grand Slam champion started the final in top form, winning the opening set in no time. However, the tide turned in the second set as Alcaraz replied back with equal intensity. By the third set, Alcaraz had established his superiority that he maintained in the next set as well to win his first tile at the Melbourne Park.
After his historic victory, the first thing that the 22-year-old talked about was his opponent.
"I want to talk about Novak - he deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about how I'm doing amazing things, but what you're doing is inspiring - not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well," he said.
He also talked about Nadal who was in attendance as Alcaraz went past his record.
"It's a bit weird seeing Rafa [Nadal] in the stands. I think it's the first time as a professional because I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old. It's such an honour playing in front of you, we had great battles on the court and it was an honour sharing the court with you. Thank you for being here," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said.
Djokovic calls Alcaraz's performance 'historic'
Meanwhile, the 10-time Australian Open winner showered praise on Alcaraz after the Spaniard defeated him.
"First and foremost, of course congratulations Carlos. An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you have been doing, the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary," Djokovic said. "I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career."
With his win, Alcaraz also equalled the record of Bjorn Bjorg for most Grand Slam titles under the age of 23 in Open era.
