Djokovic, who showed amazing performance despite being in his late 30s, is looking at the runner-up trophy. Getty Images Korea
On the 1st, when the Australian Open men’s singles final was held between Carlos Alcaras (Spain, 1st place) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia, 4th place), Melbourne Park was filled with strong winds.
Melbourne Park, which would normally be filled with fans wearing short sleeves and shorts under the strong sun, was crowded with spectators wearing thick windbreakers and long sleeves due to the low dark clouds and chilly wind, although unlike the previous day, it did not rain. It was cool, like the weather on the way from fall to winter in Korea.
Melbourne’s heavy gray sky seemed to represent the overwhelming presence of the two players. Regardless of who won, it was a day when new tennis history was written, so 56,931 spectators filled Melbourne Park despite the inclement weather. This was so hot that it broke the record for ‘largest Final Sunday of all time’.
The protagonist of history was Alcaras. He beat Djokovic 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 in three hours and two minutes to achieve his first Australian Open title and the youngest ever career Grand Slam. Now, if you win a gold medal at the Olympics, you will achieve a career golden slam.
Alcaras countered Djokovic’s sophisticated baseline attack and broke Djokovic’s rhythm with drop shots and powerful forehand passing shots.
Despite the chilly weather, many spectators came to Melbourne Park to watch the final. Melbourne|Junyong Park
In particular, Djokovic’s superhuman defensive range to chase and catch the winner until the end was decisive. It made Djokovic feel pressured to “hit two or three times more shots than usual to win one point.”
With this win, Alcaras declared that his era had come, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve a career Grand Slam, advancing his record by two years as Rafael Nadal (Spain) watched.
Although Djokovic postponed his opportunity to win the Grand Slam 25 times, the most ever among men and women, the performance he showed was so amazing that it could not be confined to the word defeat. Even though he was in his late 30s and entering his twilight years, he overcame his physical limitations with mental strength alone and advanced to the finals.
And in the final, he completely dominated the first set against Alcaras, who was 16 years younger than him. Djokovic’s exquisite shots and impeccable defense did not falter even in the temperamental strong winds of Melbourne.
Although it was disappointing that his stamina decreased as the match progressed, tennis fans were deeply impressed by the way he responded with skillful game management and psychological warfare against the strong power of the ‘young’ Alcaras.
After conceding the championship point, Djokovic immediately crossed the net and gave Alcaraz a warm hug. In the senior’s sincere congratulations, we saw not the sadness of a loser, but the dignity of a great ‘GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).’
Djokovic chatting with Alcaras, who achieved the youngest career Grand Slam record ever by winning the Australian Open at the awards ceremony. Getty Images Korea
His fighting spirit, which heated up the cold air of Melbourne, was enough to deeply impress tennis fans around the world. Alcaras’ record as the youngest career Grand Slam player may be brighter because Djokovic showed a high level of performance.
Djokovic’s expression as he held the runner-up trophy showed pride in his tennis rather than regret. Rankings and number of trophies may no longer be secondary issues to him.
Djokovic, who has shown an indomitable will on the court regardless of win or loss, personally proves the saying, “Age is just a number,” and I deeply respect his constant challenge that has raised the value of tennis to the next level.
