Carlos Alcaraz came from one set down today to win the Australian Open final, beating Novak Djokovic.
It marked the culmination of a near-perfect two weeks for the seven-time major champion, who has further cemented his spot in the history books by completing the career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.
Nobody in history has done it quicker.
At one point though, that seemed unlikely, when Novak Djokovic took a commanding and completely deserved one-set lead.
John McEnroe, who was commentating on this match, has since revealed what Carlos Alcaraz said to him after losing that set which just reinforces the carefree attitude that has made him so successful and revered.
John McEnroe reveals what Carlos Alcaraz said to him during the final
Speaking live on ESPN, McEnroe actually revealed the nature of this interaction, noting: “We were in here for almost all his matches, and he averaged about three times when he’d come over to see us.
“And the two times, he only did it twice today. He glanced once, but the first time was when he was down a set, and he was getting totally outplayed here. He came over and he sort of shrugged, he looked at us, said, ‘Well, I guess this is going to be tough.’
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
“And then to come that last game, it was like the practice session. Come on.”
Patrick McEnroe, who had joined his brother for commentary duties, then wondered who might challenge Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner going forward.
He claimed: “You know, we keep wondering if there’s ever gonna be anybody else? That question still is not answered, you, because right now, there is no one else.
“Djokovic was by far, you know, the second, third best player on the planet. He’ll actually go back to number three in the rankings, which makes sense. Zverev played awfully well, still the young Americans… not so young anymore. Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz. Those guys still have work to do if they want to try to hold up one of these trophies.”
This prompted John to add: “Well, yes, absolutely. And we’re hoping someone or one or two guys gets in the mix, but in the meantime, we have to be very thankful that those guys have stepped into the void and really sort of lifted our spark and, you know, kept the interest level high.”
John McEnroe also gave his opinion on Djokovic’s speech, which raised eyebrows as he seemingly hinted towards a potential retirement.
Why Carlos Alcaraz is loved wherever he goes
Today must have been an odd moment for Alcaraz, as he was actually not the crowd favourite. That does not happen very often.
He was by no means the pantomime villain, with large sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd still pulling for him, but realistically, Djokovic’s seniority and history with the Australian Open took precedence.
Should Djokovic retire whatever happens in the Australian Open final and go out in a blaze of glory?
In the end though, after the Spaniard snatched his victory, he was celebrated like the legendary figure that he is.
Wherever he goes and wherever he plays, he does so with an air of enjoyment and relaxation that draws fans to his cause. Even today in the final, whilst a set down, he found the time for banter with McEnroe.
That is why he is loved wherever he goes.
