Novak Djokovic was unsure whether he had played his final match at the Australian Open, after Carlos Alcaraz extended the Serbian's wait for a record-breaking 25th grand slam title.

Djokovic struck first in Sunday's eagerly anticipated showpiece match on Rod Laver Arena, but Alcaraz fought back for a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory.

Alcaraz is now the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, at 22 years and 258 days, while his seven major crowns are the joint-most by any player before turning 23 in the Open Era, alongside Bjorn Borg. 

Djokovic's quest to overhaul Margaret Court to take the outright record for grand slams won by a male or female player, meanwhile, will extend for at least a few more months, with his next shot coming at Roland-Garros.

Given the Serbian turns 39 on the eve of the French Open, many onlookers expect this to be his final season on the tour, but he is not sure what the future holds.

"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months," Djokovic said. "But it has been a great ride, I love you guys."

Djokovic was the oldest men's singles finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open Era, and the oldest overall since Ken Rosewall in 1972.

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Alcaraz, meanwhile, holds the best win rate of any man to appear in at least three major finals, having won seven of eight for an 87.5% win ratio.

Addressing the Spaniard in his on-court interview, Djokovic said: "What you've been doing... the best word to describe it is historic."

He then joked: "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.

"This much love and support... I had never experienced it in Australia until this year. I have tried to give you it back with good tennis over the years."