Carlos Alcaraz emulated one of Rafael Nadal’s greatest feats after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
Alcaraz became the youngest player in tennis history to complete the Career Grand Slam in men’s singles, surpassing Nadal’s previously held record.
Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in four sets to claim the title in Melbourne, played in front of a packed out crowd at the Rod Laver Arena – a crowd that included Rafael Nadal.
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
Nadal, who won two Australian Open Men’s Singles titles during his career, sent Alcaraz a heartwarming message after the 22-year-old’s historic victory.
Rafael Nadal’s message to Carlos Alcaraz
In a message on X [formerly Twitter], Nadal posted an image of himself and Alcaraz in discussion after the young Spaniard’s title victory.
The picture was accompanied by a short but sweet message to Alcaraz, who is now a seven-time major winner.
Nadal said: “Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz on winning the Australian Open and achieving a Career Grand Slam!”
Nadal, ever the gentleman, also sent a message to Novak Djokovic, who performed admirably during the final and delivered a gracious post-match speech.
Nadal, of course, was Djokovic’s greatest rival on the ATP Tour and a player whom the Serbian star faced in many Grand Slam finals.
The Spaniard added: “Congratulations Novak Djokovic on reaching another final in Melbourne and continuing to make history in our sport. Thank you for your words during the ceremony!”
Rafael Nadal’s first Australian Open title
In 2009, Nadal won his sixth Grand Slam title in Melbourne; and the first of his two titles in the Australian city.
Nadal, the top seed, defeated Christophe Rochus, Roko Karanusic, Tommy Haas and Fernando Gonzalez to reach the quarter-finals.
What do you make of Marion Bartoli’s comments? Do you think there is any chance of Alcaraz retiring before 25?
There he beat Gilles Simon, setting up an enticing encounter against compatriot Fernando Verdasco.
The match did not disappoint. Nadal defeated Verdasco in five sets, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4.
In the final, Nadal won another five-set contest – this time against Roger Federer, whom he had defeated in the Wimbledon final seven months earlier.
After the final, Nadal hugged an emotional Federer, before sympathising with his friend during his post-match press conference.
Nadal said: “Well, very special, no, for me. Is a dream win here, one Grand Slam on hard court. I worked very hard the last — well, all my life for improve the tennis outside courts, well, outside of clay.
“Very happy, no? Very happy for the title. Today was really lot of emotions on court. I was there with the best player I ever saw, like is Roger.
“My uncle always told me Rod Laver was the best because he win two times the Grand Slam, the whole Grand Slam, the four in a row, and for like six or seven years he didn’t play. So for that reason he can be.
Everything was very special. Sorry was tough moment for Rog today.
“I know how tough must be there in important situation from him. But, you know, no, he’s a great champion. He’s the best. And he’s, for sure, very important person for our sport, no?
“So sorry for him, but at the same time congratulate him for everything.”
