Carlos Alcaraz has spoken out after beating Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open on Sunday.The 22-year-old became the youngest player to achieve the career Grand Slam, beating Don Budge’s 88-year record, with a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory at the Rod Laver Arena.Alcaraz was visibly emotional after his triumph, with the world No 1 falling to the floor as he basked in the glory of his seismic victory.He has consolidated his reputation as the man to beat in world tennis and, with seven majors to his name already, more are likely to be delivered in the coming years ahead.Speaking on court after his triumph, Alcaraz admitted that his victory Down Under meant the world to him.”Nobody knows how hard I’ve worked to get this trophy,” said the Spaniard.”I chased this moment so much. I appreciate it was a rollercoaster emotionally, and my team and I went through stuff but did the right work. This trophy is yours as well.”I can’t wait to come back here next year.”History 🏆Career slam complete, take a bow @carlosalcaraz 🇪🇸@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/pd7ye35TTq— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 1, 2026 Djokovic, in his own interview, hailed Alcaraz.And the Spaniard duly returned the favour, dubbing the 38-year-old Serb ‘inspiring’ for reaching the final of a major competition at his age.”Wow. First of all, I want to talk about Novak. He deserves an ovation for sure,” he stated.”You’re talking about how I’m doing amazing things, but what you’re doing is inspiring.Carlos Alcaraz was emotional on the court after his Australian Open final win over Novak Djokovic | GETTY”Not only for tennis players, but athletes around the world. Putting the right hard work in every day.”I enjoy watching you play so much. It’s been an honour to share the locker room with you and share the court with you. Thank you.”Djokovic, meanwhile, reacted by saying: “Congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe it is: historic. “It’s legendary, and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career.”You are young like me and I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many times over the next 10 years…NOT!”I had a winning speech prepared and a losing speech. But I want to keep it short, this is Carlos’ moment.Carlos Alcaraz hailed Novak Djokovic after his win over the Serb in Sunday’s Australian Open final | GETTY”This much love and support this year I have never experienced in Australia. I tried to give you it back with good tennis over the years.”Addressing Rafael Nadal, he added: “I want to speak to the legendary Rafa Nadal, who is in the stands.”Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here.”I just want to say it’s been an honour to share the court with you, and to have you here watching the final is a first time for me.”It’s a bit of a strange feeling but thank you for being present.”There’s too many Spanish legends, it felt like two vs one tonight – it wasn’t fair!”