Novak Djokovic called Carlos Alcaraz a tennis legend at the age of 22 after the Spaniard became the youngest male player in history to complete the career grand slam by defeating Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the Australian Open final.
The world No 1 had entered this tournament seeking to complete his collection of grand slam titles after previously winning each of the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open twice. He played a mature match against Djokovic, the fourth seed, maintaining his composure after a blistering opening set from the Serbian to win in four sets. Alcaraz is also the youngest man in the open era to win seven grand slam titles.
This was a historic match on both sides of the net. Djokovic, who reached the final after a spectacular five-set win over Jannik Sinner, the second seed and two-time defending champion, had been attempting to become the oldest grand slam champion in the open era.
“The results are a testament to his already stellar career,” said Djokovic. “I can’t think of any other superlatives about him. He deserves every bit of the praise that he gets from his peers, but also the whole tennis community. He’s a very nice, young man. Good values, nice family. Of course, already a legendary tennis player that made already a huge mark in the history books of tennis with only 22 years of age. It’s super impressive, no doubt about it.”
This tournament was Alcaraz’s first since deciding to split with Juan Carlos Ferrero and install Samuel López, formerly Ferrero’s deputy, as his head coach. Alcaraz’s coaching decision was the source of ample speculation and criticism throughout the off-season. Alcaraz says he is glad to have silenced the doubters.
“I didn’t think about those people that had doubts about it,” he said. “I came here just playing for myself, playing for my team. We all know how hard I worked in the pre-season to be ready for this tournament, and I had too many things to think about during this tournament. Just focus on my game style, focus on myself, being passionate, and that’s all I thought about during this tournament. But once I get it, I’m just happy to prove all the people were wrong.”
Alcaraz has commemorated his first titles at each grand slam with a tattoo. After Sunday’s victory, he is already planning a kangaroo tattoo on one of his legs: “I’ve said it’s going to be a little kangaroo. It’s going to be in the leg, for sure. I don’t know the right, the left one. So I got to choose a good spot, but it’s going to be for sure close to the French Open or Wimbledon. I just have to choose.”
