Alcaraz denies Djokovic at Melbourne Park fortress to complete career Grand Slam

MELBOURNE, Feb 1 : Carlos Alcaraz denied Novak Djokovic again as he floored the record-chasing Serb in his Melbourne Park stronghold to claim a first Australian Open title on Sunday and become the youngest man to win all four majors.

Thwarting Djokovic's bid for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, the 22-year-old Spaniard claimed his seventh with a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 win at Rod Laver Arena a year after losing to the Serb in the quarter-finals.

"Nobody knows how hard I've been working to get this trophy to taste this moment," said Alcaraz.

"It's a great feeling. Completing a career Grand Slam was something that was on my mind."

Don Budge's record as the youngest career Slam winner had stood for nearly 88 years since the American won the 1938 French Open two days before his 23rd birthday.

Alcaraz's milestone may also last generations, having been achieved by one of the most devastating talents the game has seen.

Djokovic felt the full brunt of it as Alcaraz shrugged off an edgy start and ran the Serb into the ground as fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal beamed from the front row.

Breaking the 10-times champion twice in each of the second and third sets to nudge in front, Alcaraz struck the decisive blow at 6-5 when Djokovic hit long on the first match point.

Falling in a heap on the court, the overwhelmed Alcaraz rose to his feet and rushed to his player's box to celebrate as his team shouted "Vamos!"

Alcaraz will have a new tattoo of a kangaroo to mark the triumph, joining the other Grand Slam symbols inked on his skin.

Djokovic was a gracious runner-up and said he was happy with his tournament - but having his 10-match unbeaten run in Melbourne Park finals ended was a tough blow.

"It's a bitter feeling, but nevertheless I have to be