Melbourne, 01 February (H.S.):

Spain's teenage tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz scripted history by defeating tennis legend Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men's singles final on Sunday, securing a remarkable four-set victory. The 22-year-old triumphed 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, completing his Career Grand Slam and becoming the youngest male player ever to achieve this feat.

This victory elevates Alcaraz's Grand Slam tally to seven titles—two each at Wimbledon, French Open, and US Open, with this marking his maiden Australian Open crown at Melbourne Park. He joins an elite cohort as the ninth man in tennis history to conquer all four majors.

Alcaraz and Italy's Jannik Sinner continue their stranglehold over men's tennis. These two have claimed the last nine consecutive Grand Slam titles. The most recent champion outside this duo was Novak Djokovic, who won the US Open in September 2023.

World No. 1 Alcaraz further solidified his ATP ranking lead with this win, while Sinner maintains second position.The 38-year-old Djokovic entered seeking multiple records: becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner in Open Era history and securing a 25th major to surpass Margaret Court's 24. These dreams remained unfulfilled, with Ken Rosewall's 1972 record—at age 37—at Australian Open still intact.

Djokovic launched aggressively, dominating with powerful serves and baseline pressure to claim the first set 6-2. Alcaraz managed just two return points as Djokovic appeared poised for victory. From the second set, momentum shifted dramatically.

Alcaraz's exceptional movement, precise drop shots, and thunderous groundstrokes fueled his comeback, leveling the match at 6-2. The third set witnessed fierce battle, with Alcaraz prevailing 6-3 after prolonged deuce exchanges on Djokovic's serve.

In the fourth set, Djokovic displayed remarkable resilience, celebrating emotionally after holding early service games. The contest remained tightly poised until the 12th game, where Alcaraz applied decisive pressure, earning two championship points.

Djokovic's shot sailed wide on the first opportunity, handing Alcaraz the title.Djokovic benefited from fortune during tournament: fourth-round walkover when Jakub Mensik retired, quarterfinal withdrawal by injured Lorenzo Musetti despite trailing two sets. Yet he vanquished Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set semifinal to reach final.

Alcaraz claimed his maiden Grand Slam at 2022 US Open. He emerges as strong favorite for future majors. Given Djokovic's impressive tournament journey to final, another Grand Slam title likely awaits in his illustrious collection.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar