Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player to win a career Grand Slam title in the Open Era following his 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory over 10-time champion, Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open Men’s Singles final on Sunday.
Alcaraz, 22, entered the contest as favorite but was pushed hard by the World number 4 and 24-time Grand Slam winner before an excited crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena.
The match lasted just over 3 hours as the Spaniard handed Djokovic his first ever defeat in the Australian Open final.
Champions acceptance speech:
“I want to talk about Novak [Djokovic]. What you are doing is really inspiring. Not only for the tennis players but all athletes the world over, and me as well.”
“I have just been putting in the hard work every day with your team. For me, I enjoy watching you so much.”
“It has been an honour to share the court with you. Thank you very much for what you are doing as it is very inspiring to me.”
“My team, nobody knows how hard I have been working to get this trophy. It was a bit of a rollercoaster.”
“You were pushing me every day to do all the right things. I am really grateful for everyone. This trophy is always yours.”
“It is a little bit weird to see Rafa [Rafael Nadal] in the stands. It is the first time for me in a long time. It is such an honour to play in front of you.”
“We have had great battles on the court. It was an honour sharing the court. Thank you very much for being here.”
“For everyone who made this tournament possible. It is a great tournament for the players. It is an honour to play here in Melbourne every year.”
“Thank you very much for pushing me in the tough moments during the matches. I can’t wait to come back next year, thank you.”
Meanwhile, Alcaraz will go home with $2.79 million for the victory and add the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to the six he has won in the US Open, French Open and Wimbledon.
On the other hand, Djokovic won $1.45 million as runner-up.
Speaking after receiving his first ever loser’s trophy in Australia the former World number 1 revealed he had also prepared a winner’s speech.
“First and foremost, congratulations to Carlos. It was an amazing tournament and couple of weeks for you and your team. What you are doing is historic, legendary. I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.
“I mean you are so young, you have so much time. You are so young like myself, so I am sure we will see each other a lot more in the next 10 years (laughs).
“I have to thank my team for enduring me and for giving me support. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, but you guys are my rock. You have seen the worst and the best of me. This success is your success.
“I then 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. I just want to say it has been an honour to share the court with you, and thank you for being present.
“Too many Spanish legends, I felt like it was two against one, it wasn’t fair but okay.
“I had a winning speech and a losing speech prepared, so let me go back to it just one second.
“Jokes aside, this is Carlos’ moment. You guys, particularly in the last few matches, have given me something I have never had in Australia. It has been wonderful.
Also read: Novak Djokovic Beats Jannik Sinner in Epic Five-Set Thriller to Reach Australian Open Final
“I tried to give it back with good tennis over the years, this is my 22nd year coming to Australia. I always believe in myself, which is necessary when you play against incredible players like Carlos and Sinner.
“I didn’t think I would be standing in a grand slam final podium again, so I owe you some gratitude for that in these last few weeks.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or twelve months. It has been a great ride and I love you guys.”
