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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood and Flo Clifford

Australian Open live: ‘Legendary’ Alcaraz completes career grand slam as Djokovic responds to ‘bitter’ defeat

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the Australian Open trophy after completing the career grand slam - (Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to make history in the Australian Open final as he became the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at the age of 22.

The world No 1 eclipsed Don Budge’s 1938 record by completing the set of four grand slam titles in record time, and now has seven overall after adding his first Australian Open crown to doubles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

“It is a dream come true for me,” said Alcaraz. With his 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory, he joins the illustrious list of nine men to win all four major titles, doing so faster than anyone else. “I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary,” said Djokovic.

In doing so, Alcaraz denied Djokovic a major milestone in a historic final. The Serbian was aiming for the standalone grand slam singles title record of 25, and to become the oldest grand slam winner of all time at 38.

After beating defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic in the semi-finals, Djokovic was proud of his record-breaking run to the final but could not hide his disappointment as his bid for a 25th grand slam singles title slipped by.

“It's an incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship,” he said. “Of course, after a loss, it's a bitter feeling. But nevertheless I have to be content with this result.”

Follow live updates from the Australian Open final, below

Australian Open latest scores and updates

  • Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to complete career grand slam and make history
  • Alcaraz overturns Djokovic’s fast start to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 and win Australian Open
  • The 22-year-old becomes the youngest man to complete the career grand slam
  • Djokovic, 38, denied in latest bid to win 25th grand slam title in historic final
  • Djokovic reacts to Australian Open final defeat: 'It is a bitter feeling'

Novak Djokovic reacts to Australian Open final defeat

00:58 , Jamie Braidwood

“It's great that I was able to beat Jannik [Sinner]in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets,” Djokovic says when asked about whether this tournament has fuelled his belief that he can still win grand slams.

” I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start. I felt great about myself and then things changed.

“It is what it is. That's sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make an assessment of what happened last couple of weeks, it's incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship.

“Of course, after a loss, it's a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.”

(REUTERS)

Carlos Alcaraz races to seventh grand slam title faster than anyone

23:58 , Jamie Braidwood

How many grand slam titles is Alcaraz going to end up with then? He has reached seven faster than anyone.

Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, 2026 Australian Open

Bjorn Borg: 23 years 4 days, 1979 Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal: 24 years 3 days, 2010 Roland Garros

Mats Wilander: 24 years 21 days, 1988 US Open

Pete Sampras: 24 years 29 days, 1995 US Open

Roger Federer: 24 years 174 days, 2006 Australian Open

Rene Lacoste: 24 years 336 days, 1929 French Championships

(Getty Images)

How Carlos Alcaraz ranks in list of men to complete career grand slam

22:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, completed at 2026 Australian Open

Don Budge: 22 years 363 days, completed at 1938 French Championships

Rod Laver: 24 years 32 days, completed at 1962 US National Championships

Rafael Nadal: 24 years 102 days, completed at2010 US Open

Fred Perry: 26 years 15 days, completed at 1935 French Championships

Roy Emerson: 27 years 244 days, completed at 1964 Wimbledon Championships

Roger Federer: 27 years 303 days, completed at 2009 Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic: 29 years 15 day, completed at 2016 Roland Garros

Andre Agassi: 29 years 68 days, completed at 1999 Roland Garros

(AP)

Novak Djokovic gracious in defeat

21:58 , Flo Clifford

After some years of not quite having the Australian crowd on his side, Djokovic clearly appreciates having them there for him today.

“Congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you've been doing, the best word to describe it is: historic.

“It’s legendary, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.

“You are young like me and I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many times over the next 10 years…NOT!” he says, to laughter.

(Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The moment Carlos Alcaraz made history with Australian Open title

20:58 , Jamie Braidwood

After Alcaraz held to move 6-5 ahead, the Spaniard produced the finishing blow by winning a 24-shot rally with some of his finest ball-striking of the match. It seemed to break Djokovic, as he attempted to reach the tiebreak and extend his fight. Two errors in a row from Djokovic brought match point, and a further forehand error sealed Alcaraz’s place in tennis history.

Carlos Alcaraz thanks Rafael Nadal for attending Australian Open final

19:58 , Jamie Braidwood

“It’s a bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. I think it’s the first time [Nadal watched him compete] as a professional because I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old.

“It's such an honour playing in front of you, we had great battles on the court and it was an honour sharing the court with you. Thank you for being here.”

Will Novak Djokovic win another grand slam title?

18:58 , Jamie Braidwood

“I always believe I can. Otherwise, I wouldn't be competing. It's great that I was able to beat Jannik in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets.”

  • 2025 Australian Open: Semi-finals
  • 2025 French Open: Semi-finals
  • 2025 Wimbledon: Semi-finals
  • 2025 US Open: Semi-finals
  • 2026: Australian Open: Final
  • 2025 French Open: ?
  • 2025 Wimbledon: ?

Carlos Alcaraz maintains the Alcaraz-Sinner duopoly

18:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Jannik Sinner may not have made the final, but Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Novak Djokovic means the two best players in the world have now nine grand slam titles in a row between them. At Roland Garros, starting in May, they will look to make that 10.

That would put them only second behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (11 between 2005 and 2007) as the longest streak of grand slam singles title won by a pair.

Carlos Alcaraz improves grand slam final record to 7-1

17:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlos Alcaraz has won seven of his eight grand slam finals, having won his first five before losing to Jannik Sinner in last year’s Wimbledon.

Three of his victories in grand slam finals have come against Novak Djokovic, with two at Wimbledon followed by the Australian Open, the first time Djokovic had lost an Australian Open after 10 wins.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals what Novak Djokovic told him at the net

17:28 , Jamie Braidwood

“He just told me, ‘congratulations, you deserve it’.

“I just told him, like, it is always a pleasure. It is always a pleasure to share the court with him, even more if it is in a final for a grand Slam. Doesn't matter if this time I won.

“Every time that I'm able to feel that aura from him on the other side of the net, for me it's a privilege. It's an honour, and it is like a masterclass for me to try to learn as much as I can.

“I have huge respect to him as an athlete, as a person, and I'm just really grateful to be able to live experiences on and off the court. That embrace was about respect, I guess.”

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz: 'I am happy to prove everyone wrong'

16:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlos Alcaraz said he was happy to prove the doubters wrong after his split from his long-time coach and mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero during the off-season and ahead of the Australian Open.

Alcaraz had won six grand slam titles alongside Ferrero, but made it seven just weeks after their shock split.

”We all know how hard I worked in the preseason to be ready for this tournament,” he said.

“I had too many things to think about during this tournament. Just focus on my game style, focus on myself, being patient.

“That's all I thought about during this tournament. Once I got it, I’m just happy to prove all the people were wrong.”

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz praises Novak Djokovic for his Australian Open run

16:28 , Jamie Braidwood

“What he's doing is inspiring. It is inspiring for all the athletes.

“What he's putting his body, his mind, his life into playing a final of a Grand Slam again, people saying that he was not going to play another Grand Slam final or he was not going to beat Jannik or myself.

“Then he comes and playing such great tennis and beating Jannik in the semi-final, and here in the final played such great tennis. So it's unbelievable what he's doing.

”If he maintains this level of tennis during the whole season, he's going to win great things - probably a Master 1000 again. He's going to come to a Grand Slam final again.

“It depends how physically he is or how demanding physically is the tournament for him, but I think he's ready to keep winning the big tournaments in the tour.”

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic to win Australian Open and complete career grand slam

15:58 , Jamie Braidwood

After the electric comebacks, the magical shot-making, and the passion, belief and smile that had defined his remarkable ascent, this was the moment where Carlos Alcaraz took the step from generational talent to stand in the pantheon of the greatest tennis players of all time. As Novak Djokovic sensed his opportunity to make history, Alcaraz wrote his own: by winning his first Australian Open title, overturning Djokovic to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and under enormous pressure, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at 22 years and 272 days.

Alcaraz defeats Djokovic to win Australian Open and complete career grand slam

Carlos Alcaraz on his next goals after completing career slam at 22

15:38 , Jamie Braidwood

”I hate losing, so that's my motivation. Trying to lose as less as I can,” Alcaraz says.

”There are some tournaments that I really wanted to win at least once. A few Masters 1000s... I just really wanted to complete all the Masters 1000s.

Obviously the ATP Finals. The Davis Cup is a goal as well. I really wanted to achieve that for my country, for Spain.

“I set up some other goals for the season, and I will try to be ready to get those goals.”

(Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic identifies his one regret from ‘bitter’ Australian Open final defeat

15:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic was proud of his record-breaking run to the Australian Open final at the age of 38 but could not hide his disappointment as his bid for a 25th grand slam singles title slipped by in defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic, though, was left to rue a couple of missed opportunities in the fourth set, particularly on break point at 4-4 when he had a look at Alcaraz’s second serve but dumped a forehand return into the net.

Novak Djokovic identifies his one regret from ‘bitter’ Australian Open final defeat

Carlos Alcaraz reveals his next tattoo after winning Australian Open

14:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlos Alcaraz revealed he would celebrate winning a first Australian Open title by getting a tattoo of a kangaroo after completing the career grand slam in Melbourne.

The Spaniard has a strawberry to celebrate Wimbledon, an Eiffel Tower to mark his French Open and added the Statue of Liberty in September after winning his second US Open title in New York.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals his next tattoo after winning Australian Open

‘Job finished’: Carlos Alcaraz’s camera message sums up ‘legendary’ career grand slam

14:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlos Alcaraz summed up his “legendary” achievement of winning all four grand slam titles to complete the career grand slam by writing “Job finished. 4/4 complete” on the court-side camera.

The 22-year-old become the youngest man to complete the career grand slam after beating Novak Djokovic in four sets to win his first Australian Open title.

Alcaraz is also the youngest man to win seven grand slam singles titles after adding his first Australian Open to two titles at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

‘Job finished’: Carlos Alcaraz’s camera message sums up ‘legendary’ career grand slam

Is this the craziest Carlos Alcaraz stat after completing career grand slam?

14:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Having won the French Open twice, Wimbledon twice and the US Open twice, Carlos Alcaraz is now just another Australian Open away from completing the double career grand slam.

For context, only four have done that before. Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (who is the only player to win the triple career grand slam).

But Djokovic did it at 34 when he won a second French Open. Nadal did it at 35 when he won a second Australian Open.

Alcaraz could do it at 23 if he defends his Australian Open title next year!

(Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz thank ‘legendary’ Rafael Nadal as Spaniard watches Australian Open final

14:03 , Flo Clifford

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to the “legendary” Rafael Nadal in his runner-up speech at the Australian Open, after his former rival watched the final from the stands.

Djokovic fell to another incredibly talented Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, in four sets as his bid for a standalone record 25th major title fell short.

Alcaraz triumphed 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to write history of his own, becoming the youngest man in history and only the ninth ever to record the career grand slam - winning all four majors.

Djokovic and Alcaraz thank ‘legendary’ Nadal after Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic explains how Carlos Alcaraz has improved: 'He has everything'

13:48 , Jamie Braidwood

“A lot has changed since then. He has improved physically, mentally, game-wise. He's constantly looking to innovate his game, which is exactly the kind of mentality that needs to be nurtured for a champion.

“It's never enough in terms of settling with your game. You have to progress. Otherwise, you regress because everyone else progresses.

”He has everything, the whole package. Really, as I said, a nice guy and very respected. So congrats to him, to his team, to his family. I mean, he's only 22. I mean, it's unbelievable.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic praises 'legendary' Carlos Alcaraz's achievements

13:34 , Jamie Braidwood

“The results are a testament to his already stellar career. I can't think of any other superlatives about him. He deserves every bit of the praise that he gets from his peers, but also the whole tennis community.

“He's a very nice, young man. Good values, nice family. Of course, already a legendary tennis player that made already a huge mark in the history books of tennis, I mean, with only 22 years of age.

“It's super impressive, no doubt about it. First time I played him, he was, what, 11 or 12 years old! No, he was, I think, 18 or 19. You could already see that he's destined for great things.

Novak Djokovic: 'First set one of the best I have played in years'

13:19 , Jamie Braidwood

“You saw it. The first set was one of the best sets I've played the last couple years. Then, I kind of regained my energy back and momentum in mid-fourth. Asked the crowd to get involved. They did.

“It was just a bad miss at 4-4 and break point. I had a good look at that forehand. My forehand broke down in important moments.

“One or two shots can change the momentum of the match and switch things around, which happened. I'm just very disappointed I wasn't able to maintain that kind of feeling that I had in the first set.

“There are a lot of what-if scenarios in my head, and yeah, I guess it is what it is. You have to just accept it as it is.”

(Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic reacts to Australian Open final defeat

13:07 , Jamie Braidwood

“It's great that I was able to beat Jannik [Sinner]in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets,” Djokovic says when asked about whether this tournament has fuelled his belief that he can still win grand slams.

” I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start. I felt great about myself and then things changed.

“It is what it is. That's sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make an assessment of what happened last couple of weeks, it's incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship.

“Of course, after a loss, it's a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.”

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz races to seventh grand slam title faster than anyone

13:01 , Jamie Braidwood

How many grand slam titles is Alcaraz going to end up with then? He has reached seven faster than anyone.

Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, 2026 Australian Open

Bjorn Borg: 23 years 4 days, 1979 Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal: 24 years 3 days, 2010 Roland Garros

Mats Wilander: 24 years 21 days, 1988 US Open

Pete Sampras: 24 years 29 days, 1995 US Open

Roger Federer: 24 years 174 days, 2006 Australian Open

Rene Lacoste: 24 years 336 days, 1929 French Championships

(Getty Images)

How Carlos Alcaraz ranks in list of men to complete career grand slam

12:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, completed at 2026 Australian Open

Don Budge: 22 years 363 days, completed at 1938 French Championships

Rod Laver: 24 years 32 days, completed at 1962 US National Championships

Rafael Nadal: 24 years 102 days, completed at2010 US Open

Fred Perry: 26 years 15 days, completed at 1935 French Championships

Roy Emerson: 27 years 244 days, completed at 1964 Wimbledon Championships

Roger Federer: 27 years 303 days, completed at 2009 Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic: 29 years 15 day, completed at 2016 Roland Garros

Andre Agassi: 29 years 68 days, completed at 1999 Roland Garros

(REUTERS)

Report: Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career grand slam

12:41 , Jamie Braidwood

After the electric comebacks, the magical shot-making, and the passion, belief and smile that had defined his remarkable ascent, this was the moment where Carlos Alcaraz took the step from generational talent to standing alone in the pantheon of the greatest tennis players of all time.

As Novak Djokovic sensed his opportunity to make history, Alcaraz wrote his own: by winning his first Australian Open title, overturning Djokovic to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 and under enormous pressure, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at 22 years and 272 days.

Alcaraz defeats Djokovic to win Australian Open and complete career grand slam

Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion

12:30 , Flo Clifford

“Job finished. 4/4 completed,” Alcaraz writes on the camera lens, with the customary smiley face.

Tennis completed at the age of 22. Ludicrous.

Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion

12:27 , Flo Clifford

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic drops retirement hint

12:19 , Flo Clifford

Is this the beginning of the farewell tour for Djokovic? His words in that trophy presentation felt telling.

“I always believe in myself, and it’s truly needed and necessary when you’re playing at this level against incredible players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“But I must be honest and say I did not think I would be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again.

“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or twelve months, but it’s been a great ride. I love you all.”

Novak Djokovic gracious in defeat

12:16 , Flo Clifford

After some years of not quite having the Australian crowd on his side, Djokovic clearly appreciates having them there for him today.

“Congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you've been doing, the best word to describe it is: historic.

“It’s legendary, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.

“You are young like me and I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many times over the next 10 years…NOT!” he says, to laughter.

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz gives his speech

12:13 , Flo Clifford

Alcaraz thanks Nadal too, suggesting it’s the first time the legendary Spaniard has watched him play as a professional, rather than a junior.

He thanks the tournament organisers, everyone that makes this tournament what it is, and ends with “I can’t wait to come back here next year.”

Carlos Alcaraz gives his speech

12:11 , Flo Clifford

“Wow,” Alcaraz says a few times, before turning his attention to Djokovic.

“He deserves an ovation for sure. What you’re doing is really inspiring, not for only tennis players but athletes, people around the world, hard work every day with your team, playing such great tennis. I enjoy so much watching you play, it’s been an honour sharing the court, so thank you very much for what you are doing. It’s very inspiring to me,” he says, shaking hands with an appreciative Djokovic.

He thanks his team now. “It was a little bit rollercoaster emotionally,” no doubt referring to his split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, and says they blocked out the outside noise. “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 very grateful to everyone in my corner right now. This trophy is ours.”

Carlos Alcaraz lifts the trophy

12:08 , Flo Clifford

Now Carlos Alcaraz lifts the trophy aloft, to applause.

(Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic gives his speech

12:07 , Flo Clifford

Novak Djokovic is in good spirits despite it all. He wants to thank his former rival Rafael Nadal, who is in the stands.

“Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here, but I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you and have you watch the finals here. Thank you for being present,” he says.

“Too many Spanish legends, I felt like it was two against one, it wasn’t fair, but okay,” he grins.

“I had a winning speech prepared and a losing speech prepared, so let me go back one second,” he says to laughter. “I want to keep this short, this is Carlos’s moment. You guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something I have never experienced in Australia, that much love, positivity. I tried to give you back good tennis over the years. I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward over the last couple of years.

“God knows what hapens tomorrow, let alone in six months or twelve months, so it has been a great ride. I love you guys!”

He gets a raucous reception, as he should.

Carlos Alcaraz wins Australian Open

11:58 , Flo Clifford

Onto the trophy ceremony now; 50 years on from winning the title here, Mark Edmonson is here to present the trophy.

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion

11:56 , Flo Clifford

The world No 1 eclipsed Don Budge’s 1938 record by completing the set of four grand slam titles in record time, and now has seven overall after adding his first Australian Open crown to doubles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

Spare a thought for Novak Djokovic, whose wait for a 25th major title goes on. He may never have a better chance - but this tournament has proved, if proof was needed, that he’s still got it.

Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion

11:53 , Flo Clifford

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion!

11:51 , Flo Clifford

Alcaraz cannot stop grinning. He hugs his team, thanks the crowd, and sits down, still with a beaming smile, almost in disbelief at what he’s achieved.

His seventh grand slam at the age of just 22. History made in Melbourne.

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz is the Australian Open champion!

11:49 , Flo Clifford

Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man in history to complete the set of majors, and only the ninth to ever do so!

Djokovic smiles as the pair embrace, before Alcaraz runs over to celebrate with his team. What a player.

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 7-5 Novak Djokovic

11:49 , Flo Clifford

Djokovic with the second serve - Alcaraz returns, and Djokovic sends it wide!!!

CARLOS ALCARAZ IS THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION!

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS! Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 6-5 Novak Djokovic*

11:48 , Flo Clifford

Djokovic, again, must serve to stay in the match.

A 24-shot rally - one of the longest so far - goes Alcaraz’s way; incredible ball-striking from both men, covering all angles, but Djokovic blinks first, sending it into the net.

He goes for a gutsy serve and volley now and stays at the net, cutting off an Alcaraz forehand for 15-15.

But now an almighty error from the Serb as Alcaraz anticipates his play perfectly, and Djokovic goes wide. 15-30...

Djokovic now nets and Alcaraz HAS TWO CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS!

Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 6-5 Novak Djokovic*

11:43 , Flo Clifford

Djokovic shouts at himself in frustration as he goes wide, before a tame shank into the net. 30-0.

Djokovic steps forward now, looking to attack, and draws the error... but Alcaraz gets back on the front foot with a huge first serve out wide and pacey strike into the opposite corner. 40-15.

A looping forehand seals an 11th straight hold. Pressure back on Djokovic.

*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 5-5 Novak Djokovic

11:39 , Flo Clifford

A superb defensive lob by Alcaraz and Djokovic overhits the smash! 15-15.

But Djokovic uses the entire width of the court and Alcaraz, at full stretch off the backhand wing, clips the tape. 30-15.

Alcaraz sends a return long. The Djokovic serve is firing in this fourth set, 77 per cent of first serves made.

The pressure is back on Alcaraz as the Serb manoeuvres him around the court, and the Spaniard nets.

Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 5-4 Novak Djokovic*

11:36 , Flo Clifford

New balls. Djokovic will serve to stay in this match, and stay in with a chance at a 25th major.

Alcaraz goes long, before Djokovic heads off to change racquet.

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 5-4 Novak Djokovic*

11:35 , Flo Clifford

Alcaraz grins as a forehand off the frame just lands over the net; I don’t think he or anyone else thought he was getting that. A 35th winner - and he roars with delight, punching the air, as Djokovic puts too much power on, firing long!

Alcaraz is a game away from completing the career grand slam.

BREAK POINT! *Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 4-4 Novak Djokovic

11:33 , Flo Clifford

Djokovic is perfectly placed to return a serve out wide, and Alcaraz nets!

First chance for Djokovic to break in this set...

He has a chance on a second serve, but fires long! Back to deuce.

*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3, 4-4 Novak Djokovic

11:31 , Flo Clifford

Roars from the huge Serbian contingent inside Rod Laver as Djokovic shows off some court speed, and Alcaraz nets on the run! Djokovic gesticulates to the crowd to make some noise. He still believes.

He does brilliantly to get a huge serve back in play and dig out the resulting Alcaraz drop shot, but the Spaniard anticipates and sends in another one that Djokovic can’t get to.

Oohs and ahhs from the crowd at a sublime rally - and Djokovic roars as Alcaraz sends a fearsome cross-court forehand fractionally wide! Chants of “Novak, Novak” ring out again. 30-30 and there’s a chance to put some pressure on...

(Getty Images)
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