Carlos Alcaraz secured his first Australia Open title on 1/2, defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in a compelling final. This victory also made him the ninth player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam, having won at least one championship at all four major tournaments: the Australia Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

The 22-year-old athlete revealed that past skepticism fueled his journey. "I suddenly remembered those who said I wouldn't make it, those who thought I would only come to Australia and stop at the quarterfinals," Alcaraz recalled, referring to his 2025 Australia Open quarterfinal loss to Djokovic. He shared this perspective in an exclusive interview with Eurosport after receiving his trophy.

Alcaraz celebrates after defeating Djokovic in the Australia Open final on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia on 1/2. Photo: AP

"To those who doubted me: it sounds ironic, but that's my motivation," Alcaraz stated. "I didn't come here to prove my ability to anyone, but to prove to myself that I am strong enough to overcome all obstacles. This is the result of hard work. Every time a year ends and I prepare to come here, I always set the goal of winning the championship. It took until my fifth attempt to do it. A lot of sweat, effort, and dedication... but when you're on the right path, the rewards will come."

In the Melbourne final, Djokovic dominated the first set. However, from the second set onwards, Alcaraz demonstrated his status as the world number one. The Spanish player concluded the match with a superior first-serve success rate of 77% compared to Djokovic's 66%. He hit 36 winners, surpassing his opponent's 32, while Djokovic made 46 unforced errors, significantly more than Alcaraz's 27.

Alcaraz analyzed the initial challenge: "In the first set, Nole played at a high level. His shots were very precise and challenging. When Nole attacks with solid footwork, you feel a lot of pressure if you want to dictate play. He made very few mistakes. I tried to stay mentally strong and understood that if I could hold on, Nole might make an opening. That helped me calm down and play more comfortably."

Djokovic returns a shot during the Australia Open final on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia on 1/2. Photo: AP

At 22 years and 272 days old, Alcaraz became the youngest player to win all four Grand Slams, breaking the record set by the late American player Donald Budge in 1938, before the Open Era. This achievement unfolded with his compatriot legend Rafael Nadal watching from the stands at Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz now boasts 7 Grand Slams – including one Australia Open, two Roland Garros, two Wimbledon, and two US Opens – a tally greater than Nadal's 5 titles at the same age.

"It's wonderful to win against Djokovic, and this moment becomes even more special with Rafa watching," the player born in 2003 said in his acceptance speech. "I want to thank Rafa. This is the first time he has directly attended an official match of mine. Seeing him here is a great honor."

The world number one also extended his gratitude to his team. "Thank you to my team, no one knows what efforts and experiences we've gone through to touch this trophy," Alcaraz affirmed. "We were on the right track; this team pushed me, and this title also belongs to you."

The Spanish star also acknowledged the inspiration provided by his senior opponent, Djokovic. "Congratulations Novak, he deserves the applause. What he has achieved is a great inspiration, not just for Spaniards or tennis players, but for the whole world, including me. I used to love watching him play, and now to stand on the same stage or share a locker room with him is a great honor," the new Australia Open champion emphasized.