Novak Djokovic was beaten in four sets by Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Australian Open as he was denied a 25th Grand Slam title by his much younger opponent
Novak Djokovic spoke openly after losing to Carlos Alcaraz(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic joked that he had lots of years left to complete his quest for a 25 Grand Slam singles title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final. Djokovic went down 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 to Alcaraz, who became the youngest man to win all four Majors at the age of 22 in the process.
The 38-year-old was bidding to become the first player to win 25 singles titles but once again came up short against Alcaraz, who also denied him in the 2024 Wimbledon final. The young Spaniard broke Rafael Nadal’s record as the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam and Djokovic was quick to highlight the age gap in his post-match speech in Melbourne.
“First and foremost of course congratulations Carlos,” Djokovic said on court. “An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you have been doing, the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary.
“I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career. You are so young you have a lot of time, like myself. I am sure we will be seeing a lot of each other over the next 10 years… not!”
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Alcaraz’s victory at the Australian Open means that the last nine men’s Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open have been won by the Spaniard or Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz now has seven Major titles to his name, while Sinner has four.
Djokovic’s last Major title came at the 2023 US Open, where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final, and his era of dominance has clearly passed. Nevertheless, the Serbian, who was seeded fourth in Melbourne, appears undeterred in his pursuit of a 25th title.
“I also have to thank my team for enduring me and giving me support,” he added. “It hasn’t been smooth sailing as it never is. You guys were my rock and you have seen the best and worst of me over the last few years but in particular the last three weeks.
“I want to keep it short as this is Carlos’ moment. You guys (the fans) gave me something, particularly the last couple of matches, with the love and support. I try to give you back with good tennis over the years. This I think was my 21st year coming to Australia. I always believe in myself which is something that is truly needed when you play against incredible players like I have the last few days.
“I didn’t think I would be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again. God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone six or 12 months. It has been a great ride. I love you guys.”
Alcaraz paid tribute to Djokovic in his speech. “I want to talk about Novak – he deserves an ovation for sure,” he said. “You talk about how I’m doing amazing things, but what you’re doing is inspiring – not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well.
“You put in hard work every day with your team and I enjoy watching you play and it’s been an honour sharing the locker room and the court with you. Thank you for what you’re doing because it’s really inspiring to me.”
