Novak Djokovic was unable to crown two spectacular weeks in Melbourne with a historic triumph, lacking out on a record-extending twenty fifth Grand Slam title that may have additionally made him the oldest Grand Slam champion in historical past.
The Serbian was defeated within the Australian Open ultimate by high seed Carlos Alcaraz, who accomplished a comeback to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and have become the youngest man in historical past to finish profession Grand Slam.
“Carlos, congratulations! An unimaginable match, unimaginable two weeks. To your coach, your group, your loved ones – that is historical past, that is legendary. You might be so younger, similar to me, and I hope you proceed like this for the subsequent ten years. I’ve to thank my group – you pushed me, gave me wonderful assist all through the match. This can be a nice achievement, and my success can also be yours. Thanks to everybody who confirmed me love, positivity, and assist right here. I couldn’t imagine that I may stand right here with such a proficient younger participant,” Novak mentioned on the ceremony.
The opening levels of the match had been marked by Novak’s composure and tactical readability, as he managed the rallies and dictated play. Alcaraz struggled to search out rhythm or solutions early on, whereas Novak steadily constructed his benefit. The primary break got here within the fourth recreation, and Djokovic delivered the decisive blow late within the set with one other break, wrapping up the opener 6-2 after 33 minutes.
Within the following two units, Novak’s stage dipped, with fluctuations on serve and a rising variety of unforced errors. Fatigue turned obvious, and the 22-year-old Alcaraz took full benefit, imposing his tempo and depth. The Spaniard secured two breaks in every of the subsequent two units to show the match round and take a 2-1 lead in units.
Within the fourth set, Djokovic confirmed resilience, saving six break factors within the third recreation, however at 4-4 didn’t convert an opportunity to strike first. Alcaraz punished the missed alternative, breaking serve within the ultimate recreation to shut out the match and declare his first Australian Open title in Melbourne.
“The primary set was among the finest I’ve performed previously few years. I attempted to get the group concerned within the fourth, a nasty miss on a break level, I had take a look at a forehand. One or two photographs can change the momentum of a match. I’m simply very disenchanted that I couldn’t keep that feeling from the primary set. There are a lot of ‘what if’ situations. You need to settle for it as it’s. He is a great participant who can do every little thing and alter techniques; I knew he would make changes and lift his stage. I knew what I wanted to do, one thing occurred, and my vitality was drained. I in some way managed to assemble myself, to search out new vitality in the course of the fourth set. I used to be shut, but it surely wasn’t meant to be,” Novak mentioned.
The ultimate lasted three hours and two minutes, marking Novak’s first defeat in an Australian Open ultimate after 10 earlier titles.
Statistics: aces (4-9), double faults (2-2), winners (32-36), unforced errors (46-27), whole factors gained (106-118).
Reaching the Australian Open ultimate will transfer Novak up one spot within the ATP rankings, the place, beginning Monday, February 2, he might be in third place with 5,280 ATP factors. Alcaraz is first with 13,650 factors, and Sinner is second with 10,300.
You’ll be able to obtain Nole’s February desktop calendar right here.
Photograph: Profimedia
