Alcaraz beats Djokovic to win first Australian Open title and complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam after winning his first Australian Open title by beating Novak Djokovic in four sets.

After Djokovic took the first set 6-2 at Melbourne Park, Alcaraz stormed back by winning the next three sets including a nail-biting fourth set which the Spaniard eventually edged 7-5 despite a spirited display from his opponent.

Djokovic, 16 years Alcaraz’s senior, remains on 24 Grand Slams as his bid to overtake Margaret Court’s record of most ever major wins continues.

Alcaraz dropped to the court in delight after sealing a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 win in Melbourne, capping a dramatic Australian Open final.

The Spaniard was put under early pressure as Djokovic leaned on his experience to take control of the opening set.

However, Alcaraz steadily asserted himself from the baseline, raising his level as the match progressed and eventually wearing down the fourth-seeded Serb to collect his seventh Grand Slam crown.

The victory places Alcaraz among an elite group, making him just the ninth man in history to complete the full set of major titles across Melbourne, Paris, London and New York.

Djokovic’s pursuit of an outright record 25th Grand Slam title goes on. He remains level with Australia’s Margaret Court, who was in attendance at Rod Laver Arena, following his triumph at the 2023 US Open.

With the latter stages of his career approaching, opportunities for Djokovic to further cement his claim as the greatest player in the sport may be becoming increasingly limited.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner have established themselves as the leading figures in men’s tennis over the past two seasons.

Alcaraz’s breakthrough success on Melbourne’s hard courts means the duo have now shared the last nine major titles between them.