Highlights: Alcaraz beats Djokovic to complete career Grand Slam
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Novak Djokovic said it has been “a great ride” and he was left to ponder “a lot of what-if scenarios” following his Australian Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic, 38, was bidding to make history in Melbourne by winning a record 25th major title.
But instead it was Alcaraz who sealed his own historic moment as he became the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam at the age of 22.
It was Djokovic’s first major final since Wimbledon 2024, after losing in the semi-finals of all four majors last year.
“I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So it has been a great ride. I love you guys.”
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Djokovic started impressively against Alcaraz as he raced through the first set with two breaks of serve.
But he could not maintain the momentum as his level dropped and Alcaraz improved.
“The first set was one of the best sets I’ve played the last couple of years,” said Djokovic.
“Then I kind of regained my energy back and momentum in mid-fourth, asked the crowd to get involved, and they did.
“Just a bad miss at 4-4 and break point, and that forehand, I had a good look at that forehand. My forehand broke down in important moments, that’s what happens.
“One or two shots can change the momentum of the match and switch things around, which happened. I’m just very disappointed I wasn’t able to maintain that kind of feeling that I had in the first set.
“A lot of what-if scenarios in my head, and I guess it is what it is. You have to just accept it as it is.”
Djokovic pays tribute to ‘historic, legendary’ Alcaraz
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Djokovic was reluctant to share if he was physically below his best following his five-set semi-final win over Jannik Sinner, but did say: “I remain disappointed with the way I felt in the second and third after an incredible start, and I felt great about myself and then things changed.”
Djokovic has been chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title since winning the 2023 US Open.
He has now lost in two major finals since then, both to Alcaraz, and also fallen in five semi-finals.
But he says he still believes he can lift another major, despite lowering his expectations.
“I have belief, and I have always confidence and vision to win a slam, to win anywhere where I play, but I did not expect it. That’s different,” Djokovic said.
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“I lowered my expectations the last couple of years, which I think allows me to be able to let go of some of that unnecessary additional stress. It’s always tension and stress and pressure, and I just don’t want to be overwhelmed by it.
“It also feels good a little bit, not being always the main favorite to win slams. I think that kind of gives you a little bit of that extra motivation, I guess, when it comes down to the last rounds of the Slam.
“I managed to beat Jannik, who is double defending champion here and won the last five matches against me. Very proud of that. Incredible match, incredible achievement.
“But you’re speaking to me 10 minutes after I lost the final, so of course I’m going to be a little bit bitter about losing. But I lost to a No. 1 in the world and already a legendary player.”
Djokovic had plenty of praise for Alcaraz, who has now won seven Grand Slam titles. That moves him level with Mats Wilander and John McEnroe, aged just 22.
“The results are a testament to his already stellar career,” said Djokovic.
“He’s a very nice, young man, good values, nice family. Of course, already a legendary tennis player that has already made a huge mark in the history books of tennis, at only 22 years of age.
“It’s super impressive, no doubt about it. Everything is possible in his case, no question about it.
“If he was able to achieve at already such a young age seven slams and all the other accolades, he’s going, steering forward big-time.
“Well, I mean, of course, there’s Sinner. The two of them are going to be fighting for the biggest titles, and then the youngsters like myself are going to try to catch up (smiling).”
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