Carlos Alcaraz is the new men’s Australian Open champion, having come from a set down to beat Novak Djokovic in the final.
This capped off what has been a special past few days of tennis, filled with the level of entertainment and drama that the rest of the event had admittedly lacked.
Whilst the 38-year-old pushed to claim his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, his desire to rewrite history was not enough to overwhelm Carlos Alcaraz’s own efforts.
He is now the youngest player in tennis history to complete the career Grand Slam.
Speaking on court afterwards, the Spaniard began by sending a message to Novak Djokovic after what was an enormous effort.
Carlos Alcaraz’s first speech after winning the Australian Open
Alcaraz first looked to his opponent, after what was an eyebrow-raising comment from Djokovic after his runner-up speech.
The Serbian concluded his comments by noting: “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride – I love you guys.”
Are you more or less confident that Novak Djokovic can win his 25th Grand Slam now?
Most tennis fans will have sat up in their seats after hearing that, prompting Alcaraz to reply: “Wow. First of all, I just wanted to talk about Novak. I think he deserves an ovation for sure. You are talking about how I am doing amazing things, but what you are doing is really inspiring. Not only for the tennis players but all the athletes and all the people around the world, for me as well.
“Your hard work every day, tournaments you go to and playing such great tennis. For me, I just enjoy watching you play so much.
“It has been an honour sharing the locker room and the court and watching you play. So thank you very much for what you are doing because it is really inspiring to me.”
Carlos Alcaraz speaks to Rafael Nadal in championship speech
This was not all Alcaraz said in his Australian Open championship speech, as he would go on to offer up the usual formalities.
He thanked the officials, the ball kids and his team, reserving particular praise for the latter by admitting: “We just did the right work. You were pushing me every day to do all the right things. I have got to say I am really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now, and I have to say, this trophy is all of yours.”
How would you feel if Juan Carlos Ferrero returned to coach Carlos Alcaraz now?
Alcaraz then turned to Rafael Nadal, who watched on in the crowd, to claim: “Then I am going to keep going. For me, it’s weird seeing Rafa in the stands. It’s the first time, if I’m not wrong, professionally. I know you were watching me when I was 15 or 14, but for me it’s such an honour for me playing in front of you.
“We had great battles on the court, not too many, but it was an honour playing, practising, and sharing the locker. Now having you watch matches is a privilege and an honour for me. Thank you so much for being here.”
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