‘Job finished’ but Alcaraz eyes more history

“Job finished – 4/4 complete.”

That was the message Carlos Alcaraz wrote on a TV camera lens after creating history with his Australian Open final victory over Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

Aged 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz is the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, and only the ninth male player in history to win the singles title at all four tennis majors.

With fellow Spaniard and 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal watching from the stands on Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz collapsed to the floor in a mixture of tiredness and jubilation as Djokovic’s long forehand on match point sealed a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 win.

Alcaraz has tattoos to commemorate his previous Grand Slam wins. He said he will try to “choose a good spot” for the planned kangaroo tattoo that will mark his maiden victory in Melbourne.

He went on to say that fulfilling the busy tennis calendar can leave little time to “stop yourself and think about what you’re doing” – but the world number one is determined to make sure this latest success sinks in.

“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,” said Alcaraz.

“Whatever it is, just enjoy and appreciate the life you’re living.

Alcaraz was playing at a Grand Slam for the first time since his surprise split with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who he had worked with since his teenage years.

But the change did not appear to affect Alcaraz too much during his run to the title in Melbourne.

He rattled through his first five matches without dropping a set and was two sets up on Germany’s Alexander Zverev in his semi-final when physical issues kicked in.

Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said of Alcaraz that it is rare to see “a player who is that complete at such a young age”.

“He can do every shot in the book, he’s competitive and his mental capacity is extraordinary. Physically, he’s incredible and lightning fast,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Australian Open Daily podcast.

“He’s got it all and it shows by winning all four Grand Slams on three different surfaces.

Since Djokovic won the 2023 US Open, Alcaraz has claimed five Grand Slam titles and world number two Jannik Sinner the other four. Their rivalry is defining the current era of men’s tennis.

Sunday’s success put Alcaraz level with legends such as John McEnroe and Mats Wilander on seven Grand Slam singles titles. Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors and Andre Agassi are among the group on eight.

Djokovic leads the way on 24 – is there any chance that Alcaraz could one day match or even surpass the Serb’s tally?

Cash added: “Novak’s record is just outrageous, but we also have to face the fact that the vast majority of [majors in] at least the next three years are going to be between two players.

“If he gets the edge on Sinner – and he has got a little bit of an edge on him at the moment in Grand Slam finals – you’d suggest out of the next 12-16 Grand Slam titles, he’s going to get eight or so.

“Carlos tears around the court and maybe he’s putting a little bit more strain on his body than some other players.