Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz was crowned Australian Open Tennis Champion after defeating Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5) in the final at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena yesterday (Sunday).
historical feat
With this coronation, Alcaraz became, at 22 years and 272 days old, the youngest player in tennis history to win all four Grand Slam tournaments: His victories at the Australian Open, French Open (Roland Garros), Wimbledon and US Open broke the 87-year-old record set by American Don Budge in 1938 at the age of 22 years and 363 days.
Djokovic stripped of 25th title
Alcaraz also stopped rival Djokovic from achieving a record 25th Grand Slam title and celebrated his seventh title in front of a raucous crowd at Rod Laver Arena, where he lost to the same player in the quarterfinals of last year’s tournament.
After the coronation, Alcaraz said, “No one knows how much effort I have put in to win this title and enjoy this moment.”
He added: “The pre-season period was mentally tough, but I didn’t listen to what others had to say. The team pushed me to do the right thing. I’m grateful to the whole team. This title is for them.”
Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz was crowned champion of the Australian Open tennis tournament yesterday (Sunday) by defeating Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the final at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5).
historical achievement
With this victory, Alcaraz, 22 years, 272 days old, became the youngest player in tennis history to win all four major tournaments: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open, breaking the 87-year-old record held by American Don Budge, who achieved the same feat in 1938 at the age of 22 years, 363 days.
Djokovic denied winning 25th title
Alcaraz also denied rival Djokovic the chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title, celebrating his seventh in the lively atmosphere of Rod Laver Arena, where he lost to the same player in the quarterfinals of last year’s tournament.
After being crowned, Alcaraz said, “I don’t think anyone realizes how much effort I put into winning this title and savoring this moment.”
He added: “The pre-season was mentally tough, but I didn’t listen to what others said. The team pushed me to do the right job. This title is for them, so I’m grateful to the whole team.”
