Novak Djokovic has claimed he thought he would never make it to another Grand Slam final in his career after he suffered defeat by Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open men’s singles final on Sunday.
In what was his 11th appearance at the final of the Happy Slam, Djokovic was bested 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 by the 22-year-old Spaniard, who made history, becoming the youngest-ever male player to complete the Career Grand Slam.
It was also the 38-year-old’s first appearance in the final of a Grand Slam since he was beaten by Alcaraz at Wimbledon 18 months ago.
The former world No 1 made an emotional admission on Sunday, stating that he didn’t know what the future held for him, but told fans at Rod Laver Arena that it had been ‘a great ride’.
‘This has been my 21st year, honestly, I always believe in myself, and that is something truly needed when you’re playing at this level against incredible players,’ Djokovic said.
‘I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony at a Grand Slam again.’
Novak Djokovic (pictured) told fans at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday that he didn’t know what the future held but added that ‘it had been a great ride’
Djokovic (right) was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz (left) over four sets in the Australian Open men’s singles final on Sunday
The 10-time Australian Open champion added: ‘So I think I owe you the gratitude. God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months, but it has been a great ride. I love you guys.’
The Serbian lapped up the atmosphere on a night that didn’t quite go his way. While he took an early lead, going one-set up against Alcaraz, who had appeared to struggle with the colder conditions, Djokovic ultimately couldn’t fend off against Alcaraz’s brilliant shot selection, with the Spaniard mounting a comeback to take the second, third and fourth sets.
During his speech, the Serbian also paid homage to Alcaraz and his team. The Spaniard now needs 17 more Slams to equal Djokovic’s record.
‘Congratulations Carlos – an amazing tournament – to your coach, your family, your team. What you’ve been doing is – the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary. I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career,’ Djokovic said.
‘You’re so young, you have lots of time – like myself. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.’
After appearing to pass on the torch to the next generation, it was also perhaps slightly fitting that another of Djokovic’s great rivals, Rafael Nadal, was sitting in the stands at Rod Laver Arena.
‘I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands,’ Djokovic said.
Djokovic took in the atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, appearing to pause after the game for a moment on his own
During his speech, the Serbian (pictured) also paid homage to Alcaraz and his team
Alcaraz now needs 17 more Slams to equal Djokovic’s record, while he completed the Career Grand Slam in just four years. For comparison, it took Rafael Nadal eight years and Djokovic 12 years to achieve the same feat
‘Just a few words, obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here, but it’s been an honour to share the court with you, and see you watch the finals. It’s an honour. A bit strange, but thank you for being present.’
Alcaraz added, joking: ‘It’s a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands.’
Nadal managed the career Grand Slam in eight years since his first title, while it took Djokovic 12 years.
Alcaraz has managed the Career Grand Slam in a mere four years. But the Spaniard has had to face a fair amount of noise coming into the opening Grand Slam of the year, particularly after he parted ways with his long-term coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
‘No one knows how hard I’ve been working, it was a little bit of a rollercoaster emotionally,’ Alcaraz said on his achievement.
‘It was not about what people were saying before Australia, we just did the right work. You were pushing me every day to do all the right things, so I’ve got to say I’m really grateful to everyone in my corner. This trophy is always yours.’
Alcaraz then turned to Djokovic, stating: ‘I want to talk about Novak. I think he deserves an ovation. When you’re talking about how I’m doing amazing things, but what you’re doing is really inspiring. Not only for tennis players, but for athletes around the world. The hard work, every day, with your team, playing such great tennis. For me, I enjoy so much watching you.
‘For me, it’s been an honour sharing the court. Thank you very much for what you’re doing, it’s really inspiring to me.’
