Yesterday, 1/2, 22-year-old Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to claim his first Australian Open title. This victory makes him the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam. Following his tradition of commemorating major wins, Alcaraz plans to get a small kangaroo tattoo to mark his triumph in Melbourne.

Alcaraz has a custom of marking Grand Slam milestones with body art. His collection includes a strawberry for his Wimbledon title, the Eiffel Tower for the French Open, and the Statue of Liberty after his second US Open victory in New York last September.

Alcaraz's collection of tattoos commemorating his Grand Slam titles.

"I confirm it will be a small kangaroo, definitely on my leg," Alcaraz stated humorously in the press room at Rod Laver Arena. "I don't know if it will be on my left or right leg yet. I need to choose a prime spot, but it will definitely be near the Roland Garros or Wimbledon tattoos. I'm still considering it."

Before this year, Alcaraz had never advanced past the quarterfinals in Melbourne. However, his recent victory completes his collection of titles, establishing him as the youngest player in history to win all 4 Grand Slams. This achievement also halted Djokovic's opportunity to extend his historical record. For the first time in 11 Australian Open finals, "Nole" experienced defeat.

Immediately after his victory over his senior opponent, which also earned him 4,15 million USD in prize money, Alcaraz inscribed "Mission accomplished, 4/4" on the camera lens. Despite this monumental achievement, the player born in 2003 remains driven.

Alcaraz embraces the 2026 Australian Open trophy after defeating Djokovic in the final at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on 1/2. Photo: AP

"I hate losing; that's my motivation. I want to lose as little as possible," he said with a smile, outlining his next goals: "I want to win at least once at every Masters 1000 event, claim the ATP Finals title, and win the Davis Cup with the Spanish national team."

According to Alcaraz, the continuous tennis tournaments mean players like him often lack time to reflect on their accomplishments. "The lesson I've learned this year is to appreciate and live fully in every moment. Not just when lifting the trophy, but the entire competition process, the victories, and even the defeats. I am taking the time to fully realize what I have achieved, and I know I am writing history," emphasized the new Australian champion.

By Hoang Thong