The Serbian, 38, was bidding to become the first male or female player to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles, but saw that historic ambition denied as Alcaraz produced an impressive comeback victory at Melbourne Park.
After dropping the opening set, the world No. 1 Spaniard rallied to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and secure his first Australian Open crown.
“The results are a testament to his already stellar career. Can’t think of any superlatives about him. He deserves every bit of praise he gets,” Djokovic said in his post-final press conference.
“He’s a very nice young man. Good values. Nice family. Already a legendary tennis player that made a huge mark in the history books of tennis, with only 22 years of age.”
For Alcaraz, who is three months short of his 23rd birthday, the final carried its own significant milestone. Victory completed a Career Grand Slam, making him the youngest player ever to achieve the feat.
The triumph also took his overall Grand Slam tally to seven titles, comprising one Australian Open, two French Opens, two Wimbledons and two US Opens.
Alcaraz has now spent 57 weeks as world No. 1, a total that places him 14th on the all-time list for weeks at the top of the rankings.
He has already won multiple titles across the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, underlining his dominance on all surfaces.
He previously stated that his main priority at the start of 2026 was to make a breakthrough at Melbourne Park, a goal he has now emphatically achieved.
