“This is Carlos’s moment”
Novak Djokovic addressed the crowd with grace and emotion following his defeat in the Australian Open final, choosing to focus on gratitude, respect for his opponent, and reflection rather than disappointment.
Speaking on court after the match, Djokovic emphasized that the night belonged to Carlos Alcaraz, while also acknowledging the significance of the moment for himself and his long journey in Melbourne.
Djokovic congratulates Alcaraz on a historic tournament
Djokovic began by congratulating Alcaraz on what he described as a historic and legendary achievement. He praised the Spaniard’s performance throughout the tournament, as well as the work of his coach, family, and team.
Highlighting Alcaraz’s youth, Djokovic suggested that their rivalry is only beginning and expressed confidence that they will face each other many more times in the years to come.
Gratitude toward his team after a demanding run
Turning his attention to his own camp, Djokovic thanked his team for their patience, support, and belief during a challenging tournament.
He acknowledged that the past weeks had not been easy, but described his team as his constant foundation, crediting them for standing by him through both difficult and successful moments.
A special message to Rafael Nadal in the stands
Djokovic also addressed Rafael Nadal, who was watching the final from the stands. He admitted that seeing Nadal off the court felt strange, but said it was an honor to share such a moment with a longtime rival.
Djokovic thanked Nadal for being present, calling it a unique and meaningful experience for him at this stage of his career.
Unprecedented support from the Melbourne crowd
Despite the loss, Djokovic highlighted the extraordinary level of support he received from the crowd, noting that the love, positivity, and encouragement were unlike anything he had previously experienced in Australia.
He expressed appreciation for the way the fans embraced him, especially during the final stages of the tournament, saying it gave him renewed motivation on court.
Reflection on longevity and an uncertain future
Djokovic reflected on his long history at the Australian Open, noting that this marked his 21st or 22nd year competing in Melbourne. He admitted that there was a time when he did not expect to be standing at another Grand Slam closing ceremony.
Acknowledging the demands of competing against players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic said belief in himself has always been essential, while also accepting that the future remains unpredictable.
He closed by thanking the crowd for pushing him forward over the past two weeks and expressing deep affection for the fans, ending the night with gratitude rather than regret.
👉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.