Carlos Alcaraz was a man of few words as he entered the history books. Clad in his eye-catching green vest, and with his boyish grin.
In the final of Australian Open, at the age of 22, the Murcia born maestro dominated the great Novak Djokovic, becoming the youngest ever male player to achieve a career Grand Slam. This record was set by Don Budge in 1938, an American.
The ninth man to win all the Grand Slams is now Rafael Nadal. He has won two titles each at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and Flushing Meadows.
READ MORE: Spain’s tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz in shock split from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero who ‘wished he could have continued’
Alcaraz collapsed on the bright blue flooring in uncontrollable joy after his Serbian opponent, who is arguably the greatest player to pick up a racket in history, missed a forehand. This gave the Spaniard the 2-6 6-2 7-5 win in Melbourne.
Alcaraz, after the match on the court, said: “It’s a great honour to be in the history of tennis.” “What I’ve learned this year is about appreciating and enjoying every single second – not only lifting trophies but playing tournaments, playing tennis, getting victories, getting losses. “Whatever you do, enjoy and cherish the life that you are living.”
Djokovic was ready for his 38th big showdown at Rod Laver Arena, having already won ten of the ten Australian Open Finals. He had also beaten world number two Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz’s arch rival in the previous round.
WATCH: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz wins grueling Classic and reaches first-ever Australian Open Final
Alcaraz’s swashbuckling performance belied his age. The Serb was looking for a 25th Grand Slam, and to surpass Margaret Court in the all-time record.
Djokovic’s 38-year-old opponent took an early set lead, but the rest of the match was dominated by Alcaraz’s powerful serve.
He told his rival, in a sporty manner, after the game: “The job you have done is historic, legend.”
He continued, grinning: “You’re young so I know we’ll see each other again many times in the future.”
Click here for more Spain News by The Olive Press.
Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.