Novak Djokovic’s retirement trace moments after Australian Open heartbreak vs Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic hinted at retirement after losing the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, with the Spaniard winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in Melbourne
Novak Djokovic dropped a retirement hint after his Australian Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz(Image: TNT Sports)
Novak Djokovic hinted at a possible retirement following his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final. The Serbian tennis star was aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, but once again found himself up against world No.1 Alcaraz.
Despite losing to the Spaniard in straight sets at last year’s Wimbledon final, Djokovic remained hopeful of victory. The 10-time Australian Open champion came tantalisingly close to overtaking Margaret Court after winning the first set 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.
However, his younger opponent had more stamina and won the next three sets, securing the career Grand Slam and lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
Alcaraz, who is 16 years Djokovic’s junior, triumphed in a gruelling match that lasted over three hours, with scores of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The seven-time major champion is now the youngest player, male or female, to achieve this feat at just 22 years and 258 days old.
Despite his disappointment, Djokovic graciously acknowledged Alcaraz’s achievement, even as it overshadowed his own historic pursuit. He admitted uncertainty about what the future holds for him, but reflected that it has been “a great ride.”
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In his runner-up speech, which was momentarily interrupted by passionate supporters chanting ‘Nole! Nole!’, he said: “Good evening everyone. Thank you. 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.”
Djokovic’s long-standing rival Rafael Nadal was present in the Melbourne stands, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged the Spanish legend. He said: “Then I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands. Just a few words.
“Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here but I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you and to have you watching the finals here it’s first time to me and obviously a bit of a strange feeling for me but thank you for being present.
“It’s too many Spanish legends, it felt like I was two against one tonight. It wasn’t fair but okay! I had a winning speech prepared and a losing speech prepared, so let me go back to it… One second. Okay. No I want to keep it short, this is Carlos’ moment, jokes aside.
“I want to just say in the end, you guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something I’ve never experienced in Australia – that much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years. This has been my 21st year, maybe 22nd year. I owe you the gratitude for pushing me forward the last couple of weeks.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. It has been a great ride. I love you guys.” During his speech, Alcaraz also paid tribute to Djokovic with some very kind words for the tennis legend.
He said: “Wow, first of all I want to talk about Novak. I think he deserves an ovation, you talk about how I’m doing amazing things but what you’re doing is truly inspiring for athletes around the world, not just tennis players.
“Every tournament you go to and playing good tennis, I enjoy watching you play tennis, it’s been an honour sharing the court and watching you play. Thank you for what you’re doing because it’s inspiring to me.”
