Carlos Alcaraz made history by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final to become the youngest tennis player to achieve a career Grand Slam in the Open era, breaking Rafael Nadal’s record. Despite losing the first set 6-2, the world No. 1 rallied to win the next three sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and claim victory at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

At 22 years old, Alcaraz has previously won each of the other three Grand Slam titles twice but had not clinched the Australian Open title until this year. After two consecutive quarter-final exits, including a defeat to Djokovic last year, the Spaniard finally reached the final and avenged his loss by defeating the 11-time champion in a match that lasted just over three hours.

Alcaraz achieved this feat at the age of 22 years and 272 days, surpassing Nadal’s age of 24 years and 101 days when he set the record in 2010. The victory also broke Rod Laver’s mark set in 1962 at 24 years and 32 days. Nadal, present at the arena, witnessed Alcaraz rewrite the history books and secure his seventh Grand Slam singles title, becoming the youngest player to reach that milestone and surpassing Bjorn Borg’s record.

This triumph also puts Alcaraz three Grand Slam victories ahead of his rival Jannik Sinner, whom Djokovic defeated in the semi-finals. Djokovic, who was aiming to become the all-time leader in Grand Slam singles titles with 25, fell short in the final despite a strong start in the first set. The Serbian struggled physically in the subsequent sets and could not force a decider, missing the opportunity to become the oldest man to win a title in the Open Era.

Acknowledging Alcaraz’s achievement, Djokovic praised his opponent’s performance and wished him success in his career. Djokovic also expressed gratitude towards Nadal, his long-time rival, who was in attendance at the final. The presence of Nadal and other Spanish tennis legends added to the significance of the event, with Djokovic acknowledging the honor of competing against such esteemed opponents.