Carlos Alcaraz hailed the "inspiring" influence of Novak Djokovic after downing him in Sunday's Australian Open final.

Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to win all four major titles after recovering to beat Djokovic 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 and claim the crown at Melbourne Park for the first time.

The defeat saw Djokovic miss the chance for a record-breaking 25th grand slam title, though Alcaraz was quick to credit his 38-year-old opponent.

"I want to talk about Novak – he deserves an ovation for sure," Alcaraz said after being crowned champion.

"You talk about how I'm doing amazing things, but what you're doing is inspiring – not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well.

"You put in hard work every day with your team, and I enjoy watching you play. It's been an honour sharing the locker room and the court with you. Thank you for what you're doing because it's really inspiring to me."

Alcaraz and Djokovic were the Australian Open men's singles finalists with the biggest age gap in the Open Era, at 15 years and 349 days.

But, aged 22 years and 258 days old, it was Alcaraz who claimed the title and surpassed Don Budge (22 years, 355 days in 1938) as the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam.

"My team in the corner, nobody knows how hard I've been working to get this trophy. Pre-season was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally," the Spaniard added.

"We just did the right work, you pushed me every day to do the right things and I'm really grateful for everyone in my corner. This trophy is also yours."

6 - Carlos Alcaraz is now the sixth male player in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam after Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and his defeated opponent, Novak Djokovic. Pantheon.#AusOpen | @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/Y0aRwuU53g

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) February 1, 2026

Alcaraz also became one of only six players to achieve the career Grand Slam during the Open Era, along with Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver and Andre Agassi.

And fellow compatriot Nadal was watching in the stands at Rod Laver Arena, where Alcaraz needed just over three hours to claim his seventh major title.

"It's a bit weird seeing Rafa [Nadal] in the stands. I think it's the first time as a professional because I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old," he continued.

"It's such an honour playing in front of you. We had great battles on the court, and it was an honour sharing the court with you. Thank you for being here.

"The love I receive every year [from the supporters], it's great support and great love. It's not just when I play the matches; every time I step on court for practice, I feel the love from the people.

"I want to say thank you very much for pushing me in the tough moments during matches. I can't wait to come back next year."