Carlos Alcaraz has claimed his first Australian Open title, beating Novak Djokovic in four sets to become the youngest man to win all four major singles trophies.
In a final played on Sunday night at Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz recovered from a flat opening to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, denying Djokovic a chance to add a 25th major singles title.
Djokovic came out swinging and took the first set with clean hitting and sharp returning, quickly putting the 22 year old under pressure.
But Alcaraz lifted his intensity in the second, raising his first serve percentage and forcing longer rallies that shifted the balance.
From there, the Spaniard used his speed to turn defence into attack, repeatedly dragging Djokovic wide before finishing points with forehand strikes down the line.
The fourth set tightened as Djokovic tried to wrestle back control, stepping into the court to shorten points and searching for a late break.
Alcaraz held firm saved key pressure moments then broke late to close out the match and drop to the blue court in celebration as the crowd rose.
The win completes Alcaraz’s career Grand Slam, adding Melbourne to the majors he has already won at Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the US Open and takes his major tally to seven titles.
Among those watching was Rafael Nadal as Alcaraz joined a small group of men to lift all four major trophies at least once.
