“Completing the career Grand Slam was on my mind”
Carlos Alcaraz described a whirlwind of emotions after becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, admitting it was a goal he carried with him every time he arrived in Australia.
He explained that after a previous year in Melbourne that “didn’t go in a good way,” he pushed himself to improve, come better prepared, and finally capture the one major title missing from his collection.
No pressure about a calendar Grand Slam: “One at a time”
Asked whether he can dream of winning all four majors in the same year, Alcaraz called it a huge challenge and said he doesn’t want to place himself under unnecessary pressure.
Instead, he emphasized a step-by-step mindset, naming the French Open as the next target and focusing on recovery and preparation before returning to competition.
The match turned on small margins and a tactical adjustment
Reflecting on the final itself, Alcaraz said tennis can change on a single point, one missed shot, or one key moment.
He credited Djokovic for an excellent first set and said he also felt he was playing well, but faced “an inspiring Novak” who was striking great shots. Early in the second set, Alcaraz noticed Djokovic made a few uncharacteristic mistakes, which helped him feel calmer and believe the match could shift if he stayed mentally strong.
He added that he made a slight tactical change after the first set, and that adjustment helped him feel more comfortable as the match progressed.
A title shaped by doubt, noise and mental strength
Alcaraz said this Australian Open title felt different from his other Grand Slam wins because of the unusual situation he faced coming into the tournament, including outside doubts about his level.
He explained that he arrived “angrier” and more ambitious than ever to win the trophy, and that staying mentally strong — blocking out the noise and focusing on playing solid tennis — meant “the world” to him.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said.
Praise for Djokovic’s level and longevity
Alcaraz responded warmly to Djokovic’s comments from both the trophy ceremony and the Serbian’s press conference, calling what Djokovic is doing “unbelievable” and inspiring for athletes everywhere.
He pointed to Djokovic’s semifinal win over Jannik Sinner and the level he produced in the final as evidence that Djokovic can still win the biggest tournaments, depending on how demanding the events are physically.
Motivation, future goals and “I hate losing”
When asked what continues to drive him after achieving so much so young, Alcaraz answered simply: he hates losing.
He said he still has major goals ahead, including winning every Masters 1000 event at least once, capturing the ATP Finals, and winning the Davis Cup for Spain.
Respect with Djokovic and a moment of sportsmanship
Alcaraz described the embrace with Djokovic immediately after match point as a moment built on respect.
He said Djokovic congratulated him and told him he deserved it, while Alcaraz reiterated that sharing the court with Djokovic — especially in a Grand Slam final — feels like both a privilege and a masterclass.
Appreciating history — and a kangaroo tattoo
Asked whether he fully understands the history he’s creating at 22, Alcaraz admitted it can be difficult because the sport moves so quickly from one tournament to the next.
He said what he has learned this year is to appreciate and enjoy every moment — not only trophies, but the full experience of competing.
And when the conversation turned lighter, Alcaraz confirmed the tattoo tradition will continue: his Australian Open tattoo will be a small kangaroo, likely on his leg.
👉For full match context and post-final reactions, see our Day Preview 15.
👉A detailed breakdown of the final is available in our match analysis.