Amid a sombre atmosphere that followed his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final, a despondent Novak Djokovic still found time to crack a joke.
“The first time I played him [Alcaraz], he was 11 or 12 years old,” a smiling Djokovic told a packed media conference at Melbourne Park.
The light-hearted reference to Alcaraz’s youth lifted Djokovic’s mood, before he expanded on what he thought when they actually met for the first time on the ATP Tour.
It was at the 2022 Madrid Open, and Alcaraz — who had turned 19 during the tournament — defeated then-world number one Djokovic across three tight sets in the semis, before winning the final.
Djokovic knew not to underestimate Alcaraz, as he had beaten Rafael Nadal the previous day.
But facing Alcaraz across the net gave him a deeper appreciation of the Spaniard’s talent.
“I think he was 18 or 19,” Djokovic said.
“You could already see that he was destined for great things.”
On Sunday evening, Alcaraz added to the list of “great things” he has achieved during his young career.
By claiming his maiden Australian Open crown via the 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win, the 22-year-old became the youngest man to complete a career grand slam and only the ninth in history.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with his support team after clinching victory. (AP: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
It was his seventh major championship, with the victory further cementing his status as the top-ranked men’s player in the world.
“It’s always a pleasure to face him, because he definitely is one of the best players I’ve ever faced in my career,” said Djokovic, who recorded his first loss in 11 Australian Open finals.
“He makes you play your best tennis in order to beat him … he deserved to win.
“The results are a testament to his already stellar career. I can’t think of any other superlatives about him.
“He deserves every bit of the praise that he gets from his peers, but also the whole tennis community.”
Djokovic had previously lost to Alcaraz in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals.
Acknowledging Alcaraz’s ability to perform on the biggest stages, the 24-time major winner described his friendly rival as the “whole package”.
“He’s only 22. I mean, it’s unbelievable,” Djokovic said.
“Everything is possible in his case, no question about it.”
Alcaraz’s respect for Djokovic
Made aware of the glowing praise, Alcaraz reflected on how Djokovic is an inspiration to him and others.
Carlos Alcaraz watches Novak Djokovic on the practice court in 2016. (Facebook)
He looked up to the Serb from an early age, which was clear to see in a widely circulated photo taken in 2016.
The image shows a young Alcaraz smiling at the camera as he watched Djokovic train, and it was shared across social media channels in the wake of the Australian Open final.
Alcaraz remains in awe of Djokovic, who many critics believed could not reach a major final at the age of 38.
“What he’s doing is inspiring,” Alcaraz said.
“It is inspiring for all the athletes. It’s not only tennis players but all athletes.”
The respect between the two was illustrated in the warm embrace they shared after Alcaraz sealed victory.
Following match point, Alcaraz fell to the court and was soon met by Djokovic, who walked from the other side of the net to congratulate his conqueror.
They exchanged some kind words, before Djokovic freed up Alcaraz to accept the applause of the spellbound Rod Laver Arena crowd.
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“I just told him it is always a pleasure. It is always a pleasure to share the court with him, even more especially if it is in a [major] final,” Alcaraz said.
“It doesn’t matter if this time I won. Every time that I’m able to feel that aura from him on the other side of the net, for me it’s a privilege.
“It’s an honour and it is like a master class for me to try to learn as much as I can.
“I have huge respect for him as an athlete, as a person and I’m just really grateful to be able to live experiences on and off the court.
“That embrace was about respect, I guess.”
Carlos Alcaraz (left) has tremendous respect for Novak Djokovic. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
Alcaraz predicts Djokovic will again be a threat at the three remaining majors this season.
He felt Djokovic had proved doubters wrong with his charge to the final in Melbourne, which included an incredible five-set victory over two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semis.
Alcaraz and Sinner have shared the past nine majors between themselves, and Djokovic expects they will continue “fighting for the biggest titles”.
But Djokovic will not discount his chances, declaring — with tongue firmly in cheek — he still has age on his side.
“The youngsters like myself are going to try to catch up,” Djokovic said with a smirk.
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