Novak Djokovic has taken to social media to issue his unreserved praise for Carlos Alcaraz after today’s Australian Open final.
If it wasn’t already clear, the mutual respect these two great champions have for one another is abundant. And, in the glowing post-match speeches, that was only further reinforced.
The 38-year-old praised his opponent for accomplishing the career Grand Slam at such a young age, whilst the 22-year-old explained how he couldn’t have done it without his inspiration.
However, not everything can be said in a post-match speech, especially with adrenaline still coursing through the athlete.
Grade Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open performance out of 10…
That is what makes Novak Djokovic’s latest post about Carlos Alcaraz even more meaningful, as he’s taken his time to craft every word he published on Instagram.
Novak Djokovic posts message after Australian Open final loss
The Serbian superstar would first provide context to an enthralling Australian Open final, which resulted in a four-set win for Alcaraz.
He wrote: “A battle for the ages. And of the ages. I gave it everything, it wasn’t quite enough today.”
Who finishes their career on more majors – Alcaraz or Djokovic?
Djokovic then turned his attention to Alcaraz, adding: “Bravo Carlos, little titan, young wizard of Oz. A worthy champion, a huge talent, a wonderful person and history-maker”.
He concluded by thanking the fans: “And Australia, so much love. No place like the happy slam and no better atmosphere than I’ve experienced the last two matches. Forever grateful. See you soon.”
Alcaraz thanked Djokovic in his on-court speech, and would also reply in the comments, simply writing: “Such a good role model for everyone! Thank you Titán!”
Novak Djokovic’s new head-to-head record against Carlos Alcaraz
Although it may only be one match, this result has had huge repercussions on the head-to-head between Djokovic and Alcaraz.
After all, before this Australian Open final, it had swayed narrowly in favour of the former.
Now, it’s all tied up at five wins apiece.
Worryingly for the 38-year-old, it has also worsened his record against Alcaraz in Grand Slams, having lost all three major finals they have contested.
Djokovic enjoyed wins over his young rival in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros and the Australian Open in 2023 and 2025 respectively, but was most recently brushed aside by him in the US Open semi-finals just last year.
As such, he has won just two Grand Slam matches against Alcaraz and now lost four.
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