Novak Djokovic was denied a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title in the Australian Open final.
In his 11th championship match at Melbourne Park, Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets, with the Spaniard becoming the youngest player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz joined the Serb, as well as Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the exclusive list of players who managed to win all four majors in the Open Era.
Are you more or less confident that Novak Djokovic can win his 25th Grand Slam now?
Djokovic got off to a remarkable start in the match, taking the first set 6-2, but the 22-year-old raised his level and fought his way back into the contest to finally hoist an Australian Open title.
The 24-time major champion could not get over the line on Sunday, but he remains positive about his chances of winning number 25.
Novak Djokovic discusses his chances of winning another major
“I always believe I can,” said Djokovic in his post-match press conference when asked if he thinks he can still compete for the biggest prizes.
“Otherwise, I wouldn’t be competing, and I said this numerous times. It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets.
“Yeah, I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start, and I felt great about myself and then, yeah, things changed.
“It is what it is. That’s sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make, you know, assessment of what happened last couple of weeks, it’s incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship.
“Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be, yeah, content with this result.”
Who finishes their career on more majors – Alcaraz or Djokovic?
Australian Open tournament director shows respect for the finalists
Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, took to social media after the final to show respect to the two finalists.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tiley said: “Australia has a new men’s champion, @carlosalcaraz, the youngest to earn a career Grand Slam.
“Novak was incredible in victory and defeat. Nothing but respect for these two greats.”
The head-to-head between Djokovic and Alcaraz is now tied 5-5.
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