Melbourne [Australia], February 1 (ANI): After defeating Novak Djokovic to clinch his maiden Australian Open title on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz said winning the Australian Open was the result of years of hard work and emotional struggles, as per the ATP website.

He described his pre-season as challenging but credited his team for constantly guiding and supporting him, expressing deep gratitude for those around him.

The 22-year-old Spaniard achieved the milestone by defeating Djokovic in a gripping four-set final by 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, a contest that lasted three hours and two minutes. With the win, Alcaraz claimed his seventh Grand Slam title.

'I think nobody knows how hard I have been working to get this trophy. I chased this moment so much. Preseason was a little bit of a rollercoaster emotionally... [My team] was just pushing me to do the right things every day, so I have to say I'm really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.' Alcaraz said after winning the Australian Open, according to the ATP website.

After beating the 10-time Australian Open champion, Djokovic, Alcaraz praised the Serbian legend, calling him an inspiration for athletes worldwide. He applauded Djokovic's work ethic, consistency and high level of tennis, and said it was an honour to share the court and locker room with him.

'I want to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about me doing amazing things, but what you are doing is really inspiring, not just for tennis players but for athletes around the world. Just putting in the right work every day with your team at every tournament you go to, and playing such great tennis... For me it is an honour to share the locker room and the court [with you], and watching you play. Thank you very much for what you are doing,' Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz also became the sixth man in the Open Era to achieve the Career Grand Slam, according to the ATP. Notably, this was also Alcaraz's first Melbourne final since his Australian Open debut.

According to the ATP, only four players have completed the Career Grand Slam in the 21st century. Djokovic was the most recent to do so, in 2016, followed by Rafael Nadal (2010) and Roger Federer (2009). With this, Alcaraz, 22, has cemented his place among the legends.

Players who have completed their Career Grand Slam in Men, Open Era are - Carlos Alcaraz (22 years and 272 days) Rod Laver (24 years and 32 days), Rafael Nadal (24 years and 102 days), Roger Federer (27 years and 303 days), Novak Djokovic (29 years and 15 days) and Andre Agassi (29 years and 68 days).

In 2022, Alcaraz claimed his first major title at the US Open, and with that triumph, he became the youngest No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings (since 1973). The Spaniard clinched his maiden Wimbledon trophy in 2023 and defended his title in the 2024 Grand Slam event. At Roland Garros, Alcaraz triumphed in 2024 and 2025. (ANI)