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 will have additionally made him the oldest Grand Slam champion in historical past (38 years and 255 days).
The Serbian was defeated within the Australian Open closing by prime seed Carlos Alcaraz, who accomplished a comeback to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and change into the youngest champion of the season’s first Grand Slam.
“Carlos, congratulations! An unbelievable event, unbelievable two weeks. To your coach, your crew, your loved ones – that is historical past, that is legendary. You’re so younger, similar to me, and I hope you proceed like this for the subsequent ten years. I’ve to thank my crew – you pushed me, gave me wonderful help all through the event. This can be a nice achievement, and my success can also be yours. Thanks to everybody who confirmed me love, positivity, and help right here. I couldn’t imagine that I might stand right here with such a proficient younger participant,” Novak stated on the ceremony.
The opening phases of the match have been marked by Novak’s composure and tactical readability, as he managed the rallies and dictated play. Alcaraz struggled to seek 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 grew to become 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 closing recreation to shut out the match and declare his first Australian Open title in Melbourne.
The ultimate lasted three hours and two minutes, marking Novak’s first defeat in an Australian Open closing after ten earlier titles.
Statistics: aces (4-9), double faults (2-2), winners (32-36), unforced errors (46-27), whole factors received (106-118).
Reaching the Australian Open closing will transfer Novak up one spot within the ATP rankings, the place, beginning Monday, February 2, he can be in third place with 5,280 ATP factors. Alcaraz is first with 13,650 factors, and Sinner is second with 10,300.
Photograph: Profimedia
