MELBOURNE, Australia — Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open title on Sunday.
Alcaraz, the world No. 1, rallied after dropping the opening set to defeat Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, denying the Serbian star a record-setting 25th Grand Slam singles title. Djokovic had never lost in his previous 10 Australian Open finals at Melbourne Park.
The 22-year-old Spaniard showcased remarkable speed and defensive skill, tracking down shots that would normally be winners for Djokovic while applying constant pressure on his 38-year-old opponent. Both players entered the final after grueling five-set semifinal victories and displayed elite fitness and endurance over just more than three hours of high-level tennis.
Djokovic was attempting to become the oldest Grand Slam champion of the Open era, but his bid fell short against the younger Alcaraz. The loss marked the ninth Grand Slam in which Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th title has been stopped by either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. Djokovic defeated Sinner in the semifinals before facing Alcaraz in the final.
At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz became the youngest man to win all four major singles titles, surpassing the record previously held by Don Budge, who completed the feat at the 1938 French Championships at 22 years and 363 days.
With the victory, Alcaraz now owns seven Grand Slam titles, including his first Australian Open championship, along with two titles each at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the U.S. Open.