Novak Djokovic confessed to feeling “bitter” following his maiden Australian Open final defeat, ending his perfect 10-0 record in championship matches at Melbourne Park.
The 38-year-old Serbian fell to Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5, with his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title slipping away after a commanding start.
“Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be, yeah, content with this result,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.
The fourth seed described his opening set as among the finest he has produced in recent years, making the subsequent collapse all the more painful.
Despite the disappointment, Djokovic was generous in his assessment of the new champion, who became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.
“He makes you play your best tennis in order to beat him, so you know, it’s what I’ve done for, like, set and a half, but then, yeah, things changed, and he deserved to win,” the Serbian explained.
The 10-time Melbourne champion expressed particular frustration at a missed forehand on break point at 4-4 in the fourth set, a moment that could have altered the match’s trajectory.
Novak Djokovic was consoled by Carlos Alcaraz after losing in the final of the Australian Open on Sunday | GETTY
“My forehand broke down in important moments,” he admitted, noting how one or two shots can shift momentum entirely.
Djokovic briefly received attention from the trainer before the fourth set but declined to discuss any physical difficulties he may have experienced during the contest.
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“I never like to talk about things that, you know, I go through physically or health-wise, because it’s going to come across as I’m looking for excuses and taking away the credit of the winner, so it’s not going to change this time,” he stated.
The veteran instead chose to focus on congratulating Alcaraz, insisting the Spaniard was the deserving victor on the day.
Djokovic arrived at the final in relatively fresh condition, having benefited from a walkover and a mid-match retirement in earlier rounds.
Those setbacks in earlier rounds allowed him to overcome defending champion Jannik Sinner in a gruelling five-set semi-final, though his energy reserves ultimately proved insufficient against Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic missed out on a 25th Grand Slam title, with Carlos Alcaraz claiming the Australian Open | GETTY
Now the Serb’s thoughts have turned to home, where his wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara await his return, having not travelled to Australia this year.
“For me, the best way to deal with anything after I finish competition is to be with my family, so that’s something I’m looking forward to, and that’s only thing I’m thinking about right now is just go back to hug my close ones,” Djokovic said.
While it was disappointing for Djokovic, it was joy for Alcaraz.
He has now become the youngest player to achieve the career Grand Slam, beating Don Budge’s record that had stood since 1938.
