Carlos Alcaraz has made history by becoming the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam. On January 28, 2024, the 22-year-old Spaniard triumphed at the Australian Open, defeating Novak Djokovic, who had secured victory in his previous ten finals at Melbourne Park. Alcaraz’s remarkable comeback saw him win the match with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Alcaraz dropped the first set as Djokovic aggressively pursued a record 25th Grand Slam title. However, the world number one showed tremendous resilience, winning four consecutive sets. After securing his victory, Alcaraz signed the lens of a TV camera with the message, “Job finished. 4/4 Complete,” celebrating his achievement.
Historic Victory and Emotional Moments
The match featured intense rallies, showcasing the extraordinary skills of both players. Alcaraz managed to retrieve shots that would typically be winners for Djokovic, maintaining relentless pressure on the 38-year-old veteran. After the final point, Alcaraz collapsed onto his back, overwhelmed by the moment before heading to the net to shake hands with Djokovic. The two exchanged congratulations, with Djokovic smiling as he acknowledged Alcaraz’s accomplishment.
Following the match, Alcaraz expressed gratitude towards his support team, including his new coach, Samuel Lopez. He reflected on the hard work that led to this moment, stating, “Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much.” He also noted the emotional challenges of the pre-season and thanked Lopez for his guidance throughout the tournament.
Djokovic, acknowledging the talent of his opponent, remarked, “First and foremost, congratulations to an amazing tournament and amazing couple of weeks. What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe is historic, legendary.” He also humorously hinted at a potential long-term rivalry, suggesting that this showdown could be the beginning of something significant over the next decade.
A Clash of Titans
Both players entered the final after exhausting five-set semifinal victories, demonstrating exceptional fitness and stamina throughout the match, which lasted just over three hours. In crucial moments, Alcaraz converted 5 of the 16 breakpoints he faced, while Djokovic successfully converted 2 of his 6 opportunities.
This victory prevents Djokovic from achieving an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title, a milestone that has eluded him in recent major tournaments, with Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner blocking his path in nine of the last majors. The match was also notable for the absence of Rafael Nadal, who watched from the stands. Djokovic acknowledged Nadal’s legacy, joking about the significant Spanish presence during the match, while Alcaraz expressed his honor in playing in front of the 22-time major champion.
At just 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz has surpassed the record set by Don Budge, who completed his career Grand Slam at 22 years and 363 days in 1938. With this title, Alcaraz now holds seven major championships, including his first Australian Open title. He joins an elite group of players, including Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer, who have achieved a career Grand Slam.
The celebration of Alcaraz’s victory marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in tennis history, as he continues to rise as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
