Carlos Alcaraz sends perfect message to Novak Djokovic after winning Australian Open | Tennis | Sport

Having lost the opening set 6-2, Alcaraz put his foot on the gas and took the second in double-quick time, also triumphing by a 6-2 scoreline. From that point on, it only looked like going one way, with Alcaraz’s athleticism no match for the unusually fallible Djokovic. Directing his opening remarks to Djokovic, Alcaraz said: “I want to talk about Novak – he deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about how I’m doing amazing things, but what you’re doing is inspiring – not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well.

“You put in hard work every day with your team and I enjoy watching you play and it’s been an honour sharing the locker room and the court with you. Thank you for what you’re doing because it’s really inspiring to me.

My team in the corner, nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. Pre-season was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally. We just did the right work, you pushed me every day to do the right things and I’m really grateful for everyone in my corner. This trophy is also yours.”

Alcaraz went on to thank the supporters for the support, while praising the organisation of the tournament. He said: “Everyone who made this tournament possible – this tournament is a great tournament for the players. The site is amazing, every year upgrades are made to make us feel comfortable. I’m really grateful for everything you’re doing for us and it’s an honour to play here in Melbourne every year.

“The love I receive every year, it’s great support and great love. It’s not just when I play the matches, every time I step on court for practice, I feel the love from the people. I want to say thank you very much for pushing me in the tough moments during matches. Thank you very much and I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Alcaraz’s words came after Djokovic had said: “First and foremost, congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament, an amazing couple of weeks. To your coach, to your family, to your team, what you’ve been doing – the best word to describe it is historic.

“Legendary. I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career. You’re so young, you have a lot of time, like myself, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years …not.”