Alcaraz now ‘4/4 complete’ after holding off Djoko Down Under
MELBOURNE—Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after securing the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic, who had never lost in his 10 previous finals at Melbourne Park.
The top-ranked Alcaraz dropped the first set on Sunday as Djokovic went out hard in pursuit of a record 25th major title, but he dug deep to win, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
As he was leaving the court, he signed the lens of the TV camera with a note of recognition: “Job finished. 4/4 Complete.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard scrambled to retrieve shots that usually would be winners for Djokovic and he kept up intense pressure on his 38-year-old rival. There were extended rallies where each player hit enough brilliant shots to usually win a game, with neither player willing to give an inch or concede.
Once he secured victory, Alcaraz let his racket slip out of his hand and fell to the ground on his back, putting his hands to his head.
He stayed there for a few seconds before going to the net to shake hands with Djokovic. Both players exchanged a few words and Djokovic smiled as he congratulated Alcaraz. The new champion then ran to hug his coaches in the courtside chairs and later his dad and other team members in the stands.
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 head the team.
“Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much,” Alcaraz said. The preseason was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally.
“We just did the right work, you were pushing me every day to do all the right things,” he added. “I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.”
“First and foremost, congratulations to an amazing tournament and amazing couple of weeks,” Djokovic said at the trophy presentation.
