Alcaraz, 22, beat Djokovic to win the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to win the Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest ever Grand Slam winner after claiming the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic, who was unbeaten in 10 finals at Melbourne Park.

Top-ranked Alcaraz went down in the first set on Sunday as Djokovic struggled in pursuit of a record 25th major title, but rallied to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

As he left the courtroom, he signed a TV camera lens with a cautionary note: “Work done. 4/4 Complete.”

The 22-year-old Spaniard scrambled to return shots that would normally have been Djokovic’s winners, and continued to pressure his 38-year-old opponent. There were extended rallies where each player hit shots good enough to often win the game, with neither player willing to give an inch or concede.

Once he got the win, Alcaraz let his racket slip out of his hand and fell flat on his back, putting his hands on his head.

He stayed there for a few seconds before going to the net to shake Djokovic’s hand. Both players exchanged a few words and Djokovic smiled as he congratulated Alcaraz. The new champion then ran to hug his coaches on the courtside seats and later his father and other team members on the court.

After paying tribute to Djokovic for being an inspiration, Alcaraz turned to his support team. He parted ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season and Samuel Lopez stepped up to lead the team.

“Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment,” said Alcaraz. The pre-season has been a bit of a rollercoaster in the air.

“We did the right work, you pushed me every day to do the right things,” he added. “I’m so thankful for everyone I have in my corner right now.”

Djokovic joked about the tournament creating a 10-year rivalry with Alcaraz, but then said it was okay to give a new champion.

“First and foremost, congratulations on an amazing tournament and an amazing few weeks,” Djokovic said as he presented the trophy. “What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe it is history, legend, so congratulations. I wish you the best of luck in the rest of your career.”

Both players were coming off hard-fought five-set victories and showed grit, athleticism and power for just over three hours in pursuit of their historic feat.

Neither player was willing to give up big points – and there were plenty of them. In the end, Alcaraz was able to convert 5 of the 16 breakpoints he set up. Djokovic converted two of his six.

Djokovic’s push for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title has now been blocked by Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner in nine majors.

Djokovic edged Sinner in the semifinals and was aiming to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the open era, but fell short against Alcaraz.

Rafa in the house

Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have played historic matches, including the longest match ever at the Australian Open in a five-set final that lasted nearly six hours in 2012.

Nadal was watching from the stands on Sunday night, with both players talking to the 22-time champion.

“I want to talk to the famous Rafa, who is in the stables,” said Djokovic. “Obviously, it feels weird to see you there and not here, you know?

“But thank you for being there. There are so many Spanish legends… It feels like two against one tonight, you know, it wasn’t right, but it’s OK.”

Alcaraz said it was an honor: “I know you were watching me when I was 15, 14 years old, so it’s been a long time. But, yeah, for me, it’s such an honor to play in front of you.”

One for years

At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz is the youngest person to complete a set of all four major song titles. He broke the mark set by Don Budge at the 1938 French championship, when he was 22 years and 363 days old.

Alcaraz now has seven major titles – a first in Australia and two each at Wimbledon and the French and US Opens.

He is the ninth man to win a career Grand Slam, a list that includes Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.