“Legendary and historic: Djokovic salutes Alcaraz and Nadal in emotional final speech
Following a grueling Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, the 10-time champion showed immense grace in defeat, reflecting on his two-decade journey in Melbourne and a surprising run to the championship match.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026 | © AP Photo/Aaron Favila/ SIPA
“Good evening, everyone. Thank you very much. First and foremost, congratulations, Carlos. An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. To your coach, your family, and your team – what you have been doing is historic and legendary. Congratulations. You are so young and you have a lot of time, so I am sure we will be seeing each other many more times in the next ten years.
I have to thank my team for enduring me and for giving me support. It hasn’t been smooth sailing – it never is – but you guys are my rock. You have seen the worst and the best of me over the years, and particularly these last three weeks. This success is your success.
It feels very weird to see you there, Rafa, and not here on the court, but it has been an honor to share the court with you.
I also want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands. It feels very weird to see you there and not here on the court, but it has been an honor to share the court with you. Having you watch the finals here is a bit of a strange feeling, but thank you for being present. Between you and Carlos, there are too many Spanish legends – it felt like it was two against one tonight! It wasn’t fair, but okay.
Jokes aside, I want to keep it short because this is Carlos’s moment. I just want to say that, particularly over these last couple of matches, you guys gave me something I have never experienced in Australia: so much love, support, and positivity. This is my 21st or 22nd year coming here. I always believe in myself—that is necessary when playing at this level against incredible players like Carlos and Jannik—but I must be very honest: I didn’t think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again.
I owe you gratitude for pushing me forward these last couple of years. God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or twelve months, but it has been a great ride. I love you guys. Congratulations once again, and thank you for everything at Melbourne Park.”
