"Wizard of Oz": A new nickname for a history maker

Whatever the result of this year’s Australian Open men’s final; history was always going to be made.

Twenty-five was always going to be the magic number, it just meant very different things.

For Carlos Alcaraz it was a 25th career title and becoming the youngest men’s player in history to win a career slam and only the ninth ever.

It’s an achievement that “makes Alcaraz a great already at just 22-years-old,” according to Jim Courier.

The Australian Open was the one that had eluded him. The world No. 1 now has seven grand slams to his name. A phenomenal achievement in itself without any other glory.

“What I've learned this year is appreciate and enjoy every single second of the moment you're living,” Alcaraz said.

“Not only lifting the trophies, but playing tournaments, playing tennis, getting victories, getting losses. Whatever it is, just enjoy and appreciate the life you're living.

“So right now I'm just trying to have a time to realise what I've been doing … For me it's an honour to put my name on the history books.”

And he plans to commemorate it with an iconic Australian tattoo.

“It's going to be a kangaroo, for sure, a little kangaroo,” he said.

“It's going to be on the leg. I don't know the right, the left one. So I got to choose a good spot, but it's going to be for sure close to the French Open or Wimbledon (tattoo).

“I just have to choose.”

Alcaraz will add the roo tatt to his Eiffel Tower and strawberry following previous French Open and Wimbledon wins.

And what a night it was to create history and beat a man most regard as the GOAT 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 5-7.

Novak Djokovic, who at 38-years-old defied the odds to be in this final, was hunting his 25th grand slam but it was not meant to be.

Up against an opponent who was just four years old when he won his first slam title, questions were always going to be asked about how Djokovic would recover from his five set semi-final on Friday against Yannik Sinner.

While Alcaraz had endured a marathon five-setter in the semis, you would always back someone 16 younger than you to handle the recovery a little better.

Still, the duo did not disappoint and the crowd on Rod Laver Arena, together with millions tuning in from around the world were treated to an absolute spectacular.

Gracious in defeat, Djokovic handed a new nickname to his rival.

"Bravo Carlos, little titan, young wizard of Oz. A worthy champion, a huge talent, wonderful person and history-maker," he said on social media.

The first 31 minutes were all Djokovic, clinical in his serve, a forehand that had no response and an opponent that looked totally bemused about why he couldn’t adapt to conditions.

Jim Courier was already crowning his champion at the end of the first set, but Alcaraz was going nowhere. Quick to secure a second set break he put his foot down and it was full throttle from the Spaniard from there on in.

Pushing Djokovic as far as he could on every point, the plan was clear; push the veteran to the point of exhaustion and drag the points out as far as possible.

It worked.

The pressure from Alcaraz and the defensive play was relentless.

All credit to Djokovic for maintaining so much pressure, but on this occasion, it was not meant to be. Defeat marked the first time he had ever lost a final at Melbourne Park in 11 appearances.

For many it will only add to the crowning of a new era in tennis and boy does the sport need it.

History doesn't just stop at the career slam for Alcaraz; at 22 years and 263 days old, he is also the youngest to achieve the feat since Don Budge won at Roland Garros in 1938.

Alcaraz is also the youngest man in the Open Era to have won seven Grand Slam singles titles, eclipsing Bjorn Borg’s achievement at the age of 23.

My off season was an emotional rollercoaster," Alcaraz said. "But we did the right work, the right things. I'm grateful for everyone I have in my corner at the moment. This trophy is yours".

Addressing Djokovic he added: "What you do is inspiring. Not only for tennis players but for everybody. The way you work... thank you very much for everything you are doing".

__CARLOS ALCARAZ HAS DONE IT! HE HAS WON THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN! __

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 5-7 Alcaraz*

Alcaraz one game away for the second time tonight.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 5-5 Alcaraz

An incredible hold under immense pressure from Djokovic. That serve from the first set is back. That could prove huge.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 4-5 Alcaraz*

I'm fast running out of superlatives for these two. The rallies are utterly ridiculous. And now Djokovic gets the break point opportunity - it's been a while since he's had one of these. MISSES! Forehand goes long of the baseline.

An almighty roar as Alcaraz holds and now Djokovic will serve to say in the championship.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 4-4 Alcaraz

A serve and volley surprise from Djokovic and Carlos was ready. "Crisis time" for Novak says Courier...and he's not wrong. Spaniard could be six points from the trophy. But never write off a champion. From 0-30 he holds.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 3-4 Alcaraz*

I'll keep it short, I'm now conserving my energy in case this goes to a fifth. The entertainment level is high, it's bloody tense and Carlos holds.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 3-3 Alcaraz

Djoker has found the serving groove to keep him in this, nice short points. Good hold.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-6 2-3 Alcaraz*

OK missed a few games making a cup of tea. But it was clinical from both from what I heard and plenty of aces from the Spaniard.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-6 1-2 Alcaraz*

After that 12 minute game nonsense Alcaraz keeps it swift and a crucial 90 second break coming up for both players.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 3-6 1-1 Alcaraz

The net is what is going to be Djoker's friend if he has any hope of that 25th slam. He needs to make the points as fast as he can. Carlos needs to make him run if he wants to get this done in four.

A couple more break points against the Serbian and he saves them both! No sooner has he done that but it's a third opportunity - also saved! He went to the net and it's giving him a flicker of hope. A fourth is saved with an ace...and finally Djoker gets the chance to hold. He squanders it.

OK I'll cut a bit out because this one went a long way. After deuce No 6 Djokovic finally holds. Glory be. That was 12 minutes.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 0-1 Alcaraz*

This is a fast final. We are only two hours in - I say that like I could do this for two hours, I wouldn't last two minutes. but as far as men's tennis goes, this is fast.

During the break the trainer came on to assist Djokovic, it seems with possibly some indigestion? He had been clutching his stomach a fair amount during that set and is stretching the legs out a lot (to be expected).

ALCARAZ WINS THE THIRD: Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 3-6 Alcaraz

Is he injured? Bit of stretching from Djokovic and he's clutching his stomach every so often, is he having problems? He immediately comes up against three set points. THEY'RE ALL SAVED. Incredible three points from Djokovic...

Boy oh boy what change up from Alcaraz, a drop shot delivered to perfection for a fourth set point. SAVED!

This is bonkers. Djoker gets two chances to hold and misses then the crowd is told to shut up or they will be kicked out (but a bit more politely) by the chair umpire.

A fifth set point...converted and Alcaraz has a 2-1 lead and is one away from a career slam!

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 3-5 Alcaraz*

A lot of commentary between Alcaraz and his coaching box....my VCE Spanish isn't good enough to tell you what they're saying...but I'd imagine something along the lines of "you've got this, he's looking tired...vamos".

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 3-4 Alcaraz

Another ridiculous point, 16-shot rally and I can't even begin to explain this one. I was about to say that blistering forehand of Novak's was back (it is), then his backhand kicked up a gear, I have no idea how Alcaraz was returning them...but he did. I'm exhausted just watching. Utterly next level tennis

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 2-4 Alcaraz*

An important hold for Alcaraz, consolidates the break and Djokovic is looking tired. The legs are heavy as they should be after Friday's ordeal. Novak didn't get to bed until about 6am after is match.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 2-3 Alcaraz

Carlos is charging on! For the first time in this match he has the lead. Breaks Novak and is this where it all starts to unravel?

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 2-2 Alcaraz*

INSANITY!!! That was legitimately the most INCREDIBLE points I've seen in a long time and I can't even begin to explain it to you....I'll find a video. Both players all over the court, Djokovic looks to have in it with an around the net backhand but NO Carlos is right there!

Standing ovation from everyone on Rod Laver Arena. Sublime.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 2-1 Alcaraz

Silly me, spoke too soon. Djoker holds to love.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-6, 1-1 Alcaraz*

Pendulum swings here as Alcaraz becomes the one to hold to love. Djoker will be conserving the energy from here on in you'd think. he's got the experience to know when to slug it out and when not to. Credit to the Spaniard remaining cool and building from that shocker of a first set.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 Alcaraz

Who needs Kyrgios for a tweener when you have Carlos? In fairness Nick wins most of his...Djoker's service games are taking a lot longer than they were at the start, make of that what you will, but Carlos is getting some momentum here.

We go to deuce and that insane forehand we saw from Novak at the start is nowhere to be seen. he holds and it's an important one. but it's not one-way traffic.

During the break....

Djokovic left the court after the second set for a break and Alcaraz looks to be in a heated debate about the roof which remains partially open.

According to those closer to the action the roof is being close a little more…I’m assuming this is because of the mad winds but seems the Spaniard wants it open?

SECOND SET ALCARAZ: Djokovic 6-2, 2-6 Alcaraz*

OK we're skipping a few games forward which gives you a picture of the pace of this match. Djoker has been broken twice so you'd think he lets this set go. Save the energy and "don't stress".

"In his mind he is already in the third set," says Courier. And he's not wrong. We're in for at least four sets tonight folks.

Djokovic* 6-2, 2-3 Alcaraz

Carlos let down by an attempted back hand drop shot as Djoker holds. But the Spaniard retains his advantage in this second.

Djokovic 6-2, 1-3 Alcaraz*

Well the idea was Alcaraz would consolidate the break with ease but he finds himself down a break point almost immediately...it's saved as the Djoker forehand flies way over the baseline, the sting has certainly gone a little there. his unforced errors are on the up.

He holds but WHAT a rally from them both. The crowd ignites and game on!

Djokovic* 6-2, 1-2 Alcaraz

It was a turning point! A huge roar from the crowd as Alcaraz closes out a break opportunity and he "is back in this" I mean he was never out of it, but finally a smile on his face and a fist pump for the ages. Momentum swing?

Djokovic 6-2, 1-1 Alcaraz*

Cleaner form the Spaniard...hopefully a turning point.

Djokovic* 6-2, 1-0 Alcaraz

Yeah Alcaraz is really frustrated. Silly errors and he's not settling into a rhythm. And no sooner do I write that does he take his opponent to deuce for the first time this match...could this be something? Nope, a hold.

FIRST SET NOVAK Djokovic 6-2 Alcaraz*

That was insane. In just 33 minutes the 38-year-old has taken a commanding lead in this men's final. Alcaraz really struggling in the cold. Can't catch a break and looks lost...a rare sight to be honest.

Jim Courier: "Novak moving the way he wants to. His forehand is firing, Alcaraz is first to crack. It’s a video-game style of play here, Alcaraz has not got his game in gear, his feet are fine, he’s not looking sluggish…but he’s not timing the ball like Novak so far."

Djokovic* 5-2 Alcaraz

Djoker just not putting a step wrong here. Another love game and Alcaraz serving to stay in this first.

Djokovic 4-2 Alcaraz*

"A lot of things Carlos likes to do are muted in these conditions. The cold isn't suiting him," Courier on why the Spaniard is struggling. The roof is open - partially so the wind isn't as bad as it is outside.

Alcaraz not losing his nerve too much, he comes back from 0-30 to hold and coming into the net is helping.

Djokovic* 4-1 Alcaraz

Yeah that was under a minute of a game compared to the 7 minuter that preceded it. Alcaraz needs to find something more - and quick.

Djokovic 3-1 Alcaraz*

“A miss hit and Novak made him pay, a monster forehand. He’s bringing it early.” Jim Courier reckons the one er cent is with Novak at this early stage of the contest. This is hard to read they’re both silent assassins.

A break opportunity presents itself and it's sloppy from Alcaraz, not getting the height he needs off the forehand. Well saved with a peach of a drop shot, Djoker ain't getting to them. Not at his age 😉. But a second break opportunity...also saved.

A third break opportunity! HE GETS IT!

Djokovic* 2-1 Alcaraz

Yeah that was a blink and you miss it kinda service game. No wobbles from wither side, no one blinking. Tense.

Djokovic 1-1 Alcaraz*

Ace to open and looking cruisy until Djokovic executes one of the best forehands we’ve seen from him – well since Friday lets be honest. Insane the work he’s done on that shot (which was already sublime).

Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz

A relatively clinical start from Djokovic but Alcaraz has made his intentions clear. He will be forcing the Serbian to run A LOT. In the one point the world no 1 did claim in that opening service game, he dragged Djoker all over the place. That’s going to be his advantage tonight.

7:45pm "You cannot be serious"

John McEnroe has pulled his classic one liner out ahead of the men’s final.

“You cannot be serious” he said when asked about how Djokovic has got himself into this final.

“It boggles the mind you cannot be serious,” he said. “To change his game and go lock 2 against Sinner. To do what he did and go so big on the forehand so consistently. Give me a break. The guys never lost a final here he is 10-0.

“He’s doing something that’s very difficult to do. He was close to going home through default, he was on his way home after two of the worst two sets I’ve ever seen him play and the guy retired.

“I gotta be honest I played til I was 34, I used to say “the older I get the better I used to be”, Djoker is the guy that says ‘McEnroe you don’t know what you’re talking about’.

“This guy is a freak of nature.”

7:35pm Who recovered best?

A big focus on tonight will be how the pair have recovered from the insane semi-finals whihc were both played on Friday.

Both matches went the distance of five sets with Alcaraz v Alexander Zverev the fourth longest match in AO history.

At 38 you would imagine the five sets has taken more out of the Serbian champion Djokovic but he has been here before and let's not forget he had a walkoover in round 4 and his opponent retired in the quarter finals.

__6:25pm "Retire me" says Djokovic as he thanks his critics __

Love him or hate him or site somewhere in the middle, you can’t deny Djokovic has exceeded expectations.

Many thought he would have called time by now given he is the out and out leader in the men’s open era when it comes to slams won.

Many will argue he is the greatest of all time (not me and he ever will be in my eyes) but I still respect what he has done – particularly in this new era of champions. So what has driven him?

People like me it seems, the critics.

“I never stopped believing in myself,” Djokovic said on Friday when asked about his longevity. “There’s a lot of people that doubt me. I see there are a lot of experts all of a sudden that wanted to retire me or have retired me many times the last couple of years.

“I want to thank them all, because they gave me strength. They gave me motivation to prove them wrong, which I have tonight. For me, it’s not a surprise, to be honest. I know what I’m capable of.” Djokovi went toe-to-toe with Jannik Sinner on Friday night – a man half his age. It wasn’t pretty at times but it was an impressive victory.

“I wouldn’t dare to call it finest ever (victory) but definitely the finest in the last couple of years,” Djokovic added.

“Under the circumstances and semis against Sinner, who has been playing best tennis of his life in the last couple of years, particularly here . . . the two-time defending champion, (it]) doesn’t get better than this.

“Honestly, when I started my preparations for the new season and kind of set the goals, it’s no secret that grand slams are where I want to play my best tennis.

“But it becomes, I guess, more difficult for me to motivate myself, and I ask myself questions. ‘OK, what is it that I’m looking for from myself?’ I was imagining playing against Jannik and Carlos at the final stages of grand slams this year and battling it out and really giving it all that I have.

“So, very fortunate to already get it in the first slam of the year. So, yeah, big win. Very proud. Very happy. Very relieved, as well, because it was physically very demanding and gruelling.”

Here are all the details you need ahead of the clash.

Where will the match be played?

The final will be held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday, February 1.

Who'll be playing in it?

The match will be between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Serbia's Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz is the higher seed, with the 22-year-old being the world No.1, while Djokovic is currently the world No. 4.

But the Spaniard has never won an Australian Open, while the Serbian has won 10 Australian Opens.

What time does the match start?

• AEDT (VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT): 7:30pm
• AEST (QLD): 6:30pm
• ACDT (SA): 7pm
• ACST (NT): 6pm
• AWST (WA) 4:30pm

What time does SEN's coverage begin

• AEDT (VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT): 6pm
• AEST (QLD): 5pm
• ACDT (SA): 5:30pm
• ACST (NT): 4:30pm
• AWST (WA) 3pm

What's their head-to-head record?

The two have played each other nine times prior to this final.

Djokovic has won five matches while Alcaraz has only won four.

They have also met in two major finals (Wimbledon 2023 and 2024) with the Spaniard having won both occasions.

But at the Paris Olympics, the 38-year-old claimed the gold medal over the now world No. 1.

They have also played a match at Melbourne Park back in 2025, which Djokovic won.

What will the winner receive?

The winner of the match will receive the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup alongside 2000 ranking points and a pay day of $4,150,000 (AUD).

The loser will receive 1300 ranking points and $2,150,000 (AUD) in prize money.

Route to the final

Novak Djokovic

• Round 1 (defeated Pedro Martinez (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
• Round 2 (defeated Francesco Maestrelli (Q - ITA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
• Round 3 (defeated Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4))
• Round 4 (defeated Jakub Mensik (No. 16 seed - opponent withdrew to injury)
• Quarter Final (defeated Lorenzo Musetti (No. 5 seed - ITA) 4-6, 3-6, 1-3 (opponent retired with injury)
• Semi Final (defeated Jannik Sinner (No. 2 seed - ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4)

Carlos Alcaraz

• Round 1 (defeated Adam Walton (AUS) 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2)
• Round 2 (defeated Yannick Hanfmann (GER) 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2)
• Round 3 (defeated Corentin Moutet (No. 32 seed - FRA) 6-2, 6-4, 6-1)
• Round 4 (defeated Tommy Paul (No. 19 seed - USA) 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 7-5)
• Quarter Final (defeated Alex de Minaur (No. 6 seed - AUS) 7-5, 6-2, 6-1)
• Semi Final (defeated Alexander Zverev (No. 3 seed - GER) 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-5)