Carlos Alcaraz created history by becoming the youngest player in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam after lifting his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday, February 1. The Spaniard bounced back from a set down against Novak Djokovic in the final to seal a landmark triumph.
It was a defining moment for the 22-year-old, who expressed his joy during the victory ceremony by thanking his Juan Carlos Ferrero-less team, having had an emotional pre-season.
Carlos Alcaraz Says Working Hard and Blocking Outside Noise With His Team Prepared Them for the Australian Open
Alcaraz’s Australian Open triumph further underlined his authority on the ATP Tour. The season-opening Major had long been a stumbling block for the Spaniard, who had never progressed beyond the quarterfinals there. This time, however, he solved that puzzle with trademark grit, highlighted by a gruelling five-hour, 27-minute semifinal win over Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
Alcaraz faced early resistance against Djokovic, dropping the opening set 2-6, but he refused to relent. Showing composure under pressure, he turned the match around to claim the next three sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and seal his seventh Grand Slam title.
Notably, he won in Melbourne without his former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who played a key role in his rise and guided him to six Grand Slam titles and 24 trophies overall. Their split in December last year sent shockwaves through the tennis world, given Ferrero’s role in shaping Alcaraz’s career, and prompted widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Questions were also raised about his chances at the Australian Open, given he had never made it past the quarterfinals.
Moving on amid external scrutiny was not easy, but Alcaraz remained resolute with the backing of his team, led by new head coach Samuel López. During his victory speech at Rod Laver Arena, he credited their support and his ability to shut out external chatter as key factors behind his Australian Open triumph.
“My team over there in that corner. Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much, it was a little bit roller coaster emotionally. And we went through, let’s say not hearing anything about what people were saying before coming to Australia and we just did the right work,” Alcaraz said.
“You were pushing me every day to do all the right things so, I just got to say that I’m really grateful for everyone I have in the corner right now. And then just as I said, this trophy is always yours,” he added.
Alcaraz has now improved his head-to-head record against Djokovic to 6-6. He has joined an elite list of players who have completed a career Grand Slam in the Open Era, including Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and his childhood idol, Rafael Nadal.
It marked Djokovic’s first loss in an Australian Open final after winning his previous 10, while his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title continues.
