The Japan Times - Alcaraz sweeps past Djokovic to win 'dream' Australian Open

The Spaniard was imperious after a slow start in dismissing the 38-year-old, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena to claim a seventh Slam title and cement himself as undisputed world number one.

He becomes the youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors, adding to his two titles each from Wimbledon and the French and US Opens.

At 22, he surpassed legendary countryman Rafael Nadal -- in the crowd to witness the feat -- who was 24 when he did the same.

A seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

"Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy," Alcaraz said, before writing on a TV camera lens: "Job finished. Four out of four complete."

He added: "A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam."

He paid tribute to Djokovic.

"You were talking about how I'm doing the things I am, but what you're doing is really inspiring, not only for tennis players but athletes around the world."

It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously, leaving him still searching for a landmark 25th major to better Australia's Margaret Court, who was also watching on centre court.

Djokovic, striving to become the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy, last won one at the US Open in 2023. Since then Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated.

"I must be very honest and say that I didn't think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again, so I owe you the gratitude of pushing me forward in the last couple weeks," Djokovic said, speaking to the fans in the stadium.

He went on to hint this could be his last time at Melbourne Park.

"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months, so it has been a great ride."

He also joked with Nadal in the stands, saying: "There are too many Spanish legends. I feel like I was one against two tonight. It's not fair."

- Fighting fatigue -

Both men battled through five long sets in their semi-finals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic with Sinner, and recovery was always going to be key.

But they showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest.

They both opened with comfortable holds before Djokovic was presented with the first break point chance at 2-1.

Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead.

Djokovic was reading Alcaraz's serve well and once he got in the rallies was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points.

He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes, having dominated the big moments.

It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz upped the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game.

Djokovic put drops in his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz, who broke again for 5-2.

There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind.

He gamely saved four set points at 3-5 but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth.

On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive.

But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a famous win.

It ensured he remained world number one and Sinner two, with Djokovic moving up a place to three.

K.Okada--JT