History made in Melbourne as Alcaraz denies Djokovic 25th slam

Carlos Alcaraz carved his name deeper into tennis history on Sunday, defeating Novak Djokovic in four sets to win his maiden Australian Open title and complete a career Grand Slam at just 22.

The Spaniard rebounded from a slow opening set to overpower the 38-year-old Serbian 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena, claiming his seventh Grand Slam crown and stopping Djokovic’s bid for a record-breaking 25th major title.

The victory means Alcaraz has now won all four Grand Slams – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – becoming the youngest man in the Open era to achieve the feat. He surpassed Rafael Nadal, who was 24 when he completed his career Slam. Nadal was present in the stands to witness the moment.

Alcaraz’s seventh major title draws him level with John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, and just one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

“Lifting this trophy for the first time in Australia is unbelievable,” Alcaraz said. He later scribbled on a camera lens: “Job finished. Four out of four complete.”

Calling the achievement “a dream come true,” Alcaraz also paid tribute to Djokovic’s legacy in the sport.

“What you’re doing is inspiring for athletes around the world,” he told the Serbian.

For Djokovic, it was a rare setback in Melbourne, marking his first defeat in an Australian Open final after winning his previous 10. The loss leaves him still chasing Margaret Court’s record of 24 majors, as he sought to set a new benchmark with a 25th.

Djokovic admitted after the match that simply reaching the final had exceeded his expectations.

“I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again,” he told fans. “It has been a great ride.”

He hinted that his future at Melbourne Park was uncertain and jokingly referenced Nadal’s presence courtside. “There are too many Spanish legends. I felt like I was one against two tonight.”

Both players came into the final after exhausting five-set semi-finals, but the match delivered another high-level contest.

Djokovic dominated early, breaking Alcaraz and controlling the rallies to take the first set comfortably. But the Spaniard responded with greater aggression in the second, breaking early and dictating play as Djokovic showed signs of physical strain.

The third set featured intense baseline exchanges before Djokovic faltered at a key moment, allowing Alcaraz to seize control.

In a tense fourth set, Djokovic fought hard to stay in the match, saving six break points in a marathon service game. But Alcaraz’s relentless pressure proved decisive as he broke through when Djokovic served to stay alive.

The win keeps Alcaraz firmly at world number one, ahead of Jannik Sinner, with Djokovic moving up to third in the rankings.