Alcaraz Ends Djokovic’s Melbourne Reign to Become Youngest Career Slam Champion

Carlos Alcaraz delivered a performance of historic magnitude on Sunday night, defeating Novak Djokovic 2‑6, 6‑2, 6‑3, 7‑5 to win his first Australian Open title and complete the career Grand Slam at just 22 years old. The victory places him among the sport’s most elite champions and marks him as the youngest man ever to win all four major tournaments.

A Final of Generational Significance

Djokovic, unbeaten in his previous 10 finals at Melbourne Park, opened aggressively, taking the first set 6‑2. But Alcaraz responded with remarkable composure and athleticism, shifting the momentum with relentless baseline pressure and fearless shot‑making. The Spaniard’s ability to retrieve balls that would normally be winners against any opponent proved decisive as he claimed the next two sets with authority.

The fourth set became a tense duel of endurance and nerve. Both players held serve deep into the set until Alcaraz broke at 5‑6, sealing the match and collapsing onto his back in disbelief before rising to embrace Djokovic at the net.

Historic Achievement at 22

By lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, Alcaraz completed the only major missing from his résumé and surpassed records held by Don Budge and Rafael Nadal for the youngest to achieve the career Slam. He now joins a select group of men—including Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Agassi, and Laver—who have conquered all four majors.

His message to the TV camera, “Job finished. 4/4 Complete,” captured the magnitude of the moment.

Djokovic’s Pursuit Halted

For Djokovic, the loss ended his bid to become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles and the oldest champion in the Open era. Despite the defeat, he praised Alcaraz’s achievement as “historic” and “legendary,” acknowledging the Spaniard’s rise while hinting at uncertainty about his own future.

Respect Between Rivals

Both players exchanged heartfelt tributes during the trophy ceremony. Alcaraz thanked Djokovic for inspiring athletes worldwide and credited his team for guiding him through an emotionally turbulent preseason. Djokovic, in turn, acknowledged the presence of Rafael Nadal in the stands, joking that facing two Spanish legends at once “wasn’t fair.”

A New Era Begins

Alcaraz’s victory signals a generational shift at the top of men’s tennis. With seven major titles already to his name and a complete Slam achieved in record time, the young Spaniard has firmly established himself as the sport’s new standard‑bearer. As Djokovic suggested with a smile, the tennis world may be witnessing the dawn of a rivalry that will define the next decade—though the veteran added, with characteristic humor, “Not!”