Carlos Alcaraz has become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
The Spaniard recovered from losing the opening set to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, achieving the milestone at just 22 years old.
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His latest title brings his total to seven majors, matching the records held by John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
The achievement was completed by Alcaraz as his compatriot, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, observed from the stands.
During his runner-up speech, Djokovic made sure to mention Nadal and acknowledge his presence at Rod Laver Arena.
Novak Djokovic acknowledges Rafael Nadal after Australian Open defeat
Photo by Cynthia Lum/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 38-year-old Serbian stated: “I have to thank my team for enduring me and giving me support,” the 38-year-old said.
“It has not been smooth sailing as it never is. But you guys are my rock in my corner and you have seen the worst and best of me in the last who knows how many years, but particularly the last three weeks, and this success is your success, of course.
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“Then I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands. Just a few words! Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here.
“But I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you and to have you watching the finals here is the first time for me. It’s a bit of a strange feeling but thank you for being present.
“There are too many Spanish legends. It felt like it was two against one tonight; it was not fair!”
Novak Djokovic congratulates Carlos Alcaraz after the loss
Alcaraz won his second straight match against Djokovic, following his win in last year’s US Open semifinals.
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After the match, the Serbian legend said: “Congratulations, Carlos, on an amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks.
“To your coach, family and team, what you have been doing, I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary.
“So congratulations and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.
“You are so young, you have a lot of time. Like myself! So I am sure we will be seeing each other many times in the next 10 years.”
Alcaraz has now levelled their head-to-head record at 5-5 from 10 meetings.
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