The legendary Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic heroically lost the final of the Australian Open tournament, the first Grand Slam event of the year, against Carlos Alcaraz, the world leader.
After a sensational start, Djokovic, at 38 years old, had to acknowledge defeat to his much younger rival, with the final score of the day being 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 5-7.
After 10 consecutive triumphs in the Melbourne finals, today Nole had to admit defeat for the first time. At the awards ceremony at the end, Djokovic also addressed his former rival Rafael Nadal, who watched the final that lasted just over 3 hours from the stands, alongside his father.
"Thank you very much," Novak Djokovic began his speech, addressing the audience, then congratulated Carlos Alcaraz: "First of all, congratulations to Carlos Alcaraz for an exceptional tournament, congratulations to your team and family.
What you are doing is historic, I wish you much success for the rest of your career, you are so young! I hope to see each other many more times on the court in the coming years!"
I also have to thank my team members, you have supported me for so long and provided me with the necessary support. It was not easy, it never is. You are my support, you have seen both the best and the worst version of me. My triumph is also yours."
Later, Djokovic also addressed the legendary Rafael Nadal, who watched the Melbourne final from the stands: "It certainly feels very strange to see you there and not on the court, but I want to say that it was an honor to share the court with you and see you here again.
It's a strange feeling, it's the first time I see you in such a position, but thank you for being present! Too many Spanish legends tonight," visibly emotional, the tennis player from Belgrade pointed out.
Djokovic remains with the 24 Grand Slam trophies won, 2 more than Nadal.
D.A.