Carlos Alcaraz is the new Australian Open champion after beating Novak Djokovic in the final in Melbourne.
Alcaraz was full of praise for Djokovic immediately after winning their final 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena.
But stealing the limelight at the Australian Open was the ATP number one, who has now won all four Grand Slams.
Alcaraz has joined Djokovic in completing the career Grand Slam, although at 22 he is the youngest man to achieve the feat.
Grade Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open performance out of 10…
Novak Djokovic praises ‘unbelievable’ career Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz
Djokovic discussed that historic feat post-match, when he was tasked with analysing what has changed between their first meeting and now.
“I mean, the results are a testament to his already stellar career,” said the Serbian. “I can’t think of any other superlatives about him.
“I think everything he said, and he deserves every bit of the praise that he gets from his peers, but also the whole tennis community.
“I mean, he’s 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, I mean, with only 22 years of age.
“It’s super impressive, no doubt about it. Well, first time I played him, he was, what, 11 or 12 years old. No, he was, I think, 18 or 19. You could already see that he’s destined for great things.
“I mean, he’s constantly looking to innovate himself and his game, which is exactly the kind of mentality that needs to be nurtured for a champion.
“But, of course, a lot has changed since then. You know, he has improved physically, mentally, game-wise.
“You know, it’s never enough in terms of settling with your game. You have to progress. Otherwise, you regress because everyone else progresses.
“I mean, he has everything, whole package. Really, as I said, a nice guy and very respected. So congrats to him, to his team, to his family. I mean, he’s only 22. I mean, it’s unbelievable.
“Everything is possible in his case, no question about it. If he was able to achieve at already such a young age seven Slams and all the other accolades, he’s going, steering forward big-time.
“Well, I mean, of course, there’s [Jannik] Sinner. The two of them, I guess, are going to be fighting for the biggest titles, and then the youngsters like myself are going to try to catch up.”
Rennae Stubbs congratulates ‘legend’ Carlos Alcaraz on Australian Open title
As Djokovic mentioned, the threat of Sinner remains in Alcaraz’s Grand Slam goals, but the Spaniard has now moved well ahead of his main rival.
The 24-year-old Italian, who was beaten by the Serbian in the Australian Open semifinals, is a four-time Grand Slam champion.
Alcaraz meanwhile has won seven Grand Slam titles, picking up his first in Melbourne after two at each of the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Who finishes their career on more majors – Alcaraz or Djokovic?
He has now received a message from former doubles world number one Rennae Stubbs, who wrote on X: “This guy is about to add to his tattoo collection, with a kangaroo!
“Congrats Carlos Alcaraz… your smile is indicative of who you are… a treasure and now a legend! Congrats.”
It is a truly phenomenal achievement from the youngster, although it’s clear he is far from finished on the biggest stage.
Also very likely, however, is a recovery from Sinner, who could remarkably also complete the career Grand Slam at the upcoming French Open.
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