Carlos Alcaraz won a pulsating Australian Open final to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam - ending Novak Djokovic's latest attempt to land a 25th major title in the process
The 22-year-old immediately collapsed on the court in celebration after clinching a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory in Melbourne. Despite his disappointment, Djokovic showed his sportsmanship by clambering over the net to warmly congratulate Alcaraz on creating a slice of history.
However, the Serb great will know he may never have another better opportunity to underline his place as the greatest player of all-time. Afterwards, the 10-time champion placed doubt on whether he would be on court in Melbourne again.
Spanish world number one Alcaraz struggled in the opening exchanges as Djokovic used all his nous to dominate. But Alcaraz found more rhythm from the baseline and outlasted the fourth seed to claim his seventh major title.
Alcaraz is only the ninth man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments - the Australian Open, French Open,Wimbledon and US Open - and the first since Djokovic in 2016. His victory means Djokovic's wait to break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles title goes on.
Djokovic has been tied with Australia's Court - who was watching on Rod Laver Arena - since winning the2023 US Open. Over the past two seasons, Alcaraz and Italy's Jannik Sinner have emerged as the dominant forces in the men's game.
Alcaraz's maiden win on the Melbourne hard courts means the pair have lifted the past nine major trophies between them. Djokovic produced a superhuman effort to beat second seed Sinner in Friday's semi-finals, but beating both of his younger opponents back-to-back always looked like being a step too far.