Novak Djokovic playfully mentioned his ongoing pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam singles title, despite his recent loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final. Alcaraz secured victory over Djokovic with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, becoming the youngest man ever to achieve all four Majors at just 22 years old.
Djokovic, aged 38, aimed to make history by claiming his 25th singles title but faced defeat once again at the hands of Alcaraz, who also thwarted his efforts in the 2024 Wimbledon final. Alcaraz surpassed Rafael Nadal’s record as the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, a fact Djokovic highlighted in his post-match remarks in Melbourne.
During the on-court speech, Djokovic congratulated Alcaraz for his exceptional performance, labeling it as historic and legendary. Djokovic expressed well wishes for Alcaraz’s future career, noting their youth and hinting at future encounters on the court.
Alcaraz’s triumph at the Australian Open marked a trend where the last nine men’s Grand Slam singles titles at major tournaments were claimed by either the Spaniard or Jannik Sinner. With seven Major titles to his name, Alcaraz’s success has been notable, while Sinner has secured four titles.
Although Djokovic’s dominance era appears to be fading, with his last Major victory at the 2023 US Open against Daniil Medvedev, the Serbian remains resolute in his pursuit of a 25th title. Djokovic expressed gratitude towards his team for their unwavering support, acknowledging the challenges they faced together over the years.
In a tribute to Djokovic during his own speech, Alcaraz commended the Serbian for his inspiring dedication and hard work, recognizing the impact Djokovic has had on him and other athletes worldwide. Alcaraz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the court and locker room with Djokovic, emphasizing the inspiration he drew from his esteemed opponent.
