Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Carlos Alcaraz after he won his maiden Australian Open title by defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set final in Melbourne on Sunday.

Tendulkar praised Alcaraz’s patience throughout the Grand Slam tournament.

“What stood out at the Australian Open was Carlos Alcaraz’s patience. In long rallies, he stayed calm, kept his opponent under pressure, and picked his moments well. The way he covered the court was quick and precise, and it was a joy to watch. Congratulations @carlosalcaraz! A brave effort from @DjokerNole as well,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

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What stood out at the Australian Open was Carlos Alcaraz’s patience. In the longer rallies, he stayed composed, kept his opponent under pressure, and chose his moments smartly. And the way he covered the court, so quick and precise, was a joy to watch! Congratulations… pic.twitter.com/c2MBeBNjC6

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 1, 2026

Alcaraz Creates History at Australian Open

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz created history on Sunday by becoming the youngest player to complete a Career Grand Slam after winning his maiden Australian Open title, according to the ATP.

The 22-year-old Spaniard achieved the milestone by defeating his longtime rival and Serbian great Novak Djokovic in the final in Melbourne. With this win, Alcaraz secured his seventh Grand Slam title.

Dominant Win Over Djokovic

Alcaraz beat the 10-time Australian Open champion in a thrilling four-set final, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The match lasted three hours and two minutes, with Alcaraz showing calm, control, and strong movement on the court.

This was also Alcaraz’s first-ever final in Melbourne since making his Australian Open debut.

Joins Elite Company

According to the ATP, Alcaraz is now the sixth man in the Open Era to complete a Career Grand Slam. Only four players have achieved this feat in the 21st century. Djokovic was the latest before Alcaraz, completing it in 2016, followed by Rafael Nadal in 2010 and Roger Federer in 2009.

Men’s Open Era Career Grand Slam Winners

Players to complete the Career Grand Slam in the Men’s Open Era are:

• Carlos Alcaraz (22 years, 272 days)

• Rod Laver (24 years, 32 days)

• Rafael Nadal (24 years, 102 days)

• Roger Federer (27 years, 303 days)

• Novak Djokovic (29 years, 15 days)

• Andre Agassi (29 years, 68 days)

The ATP noted that Rod Laver first completed the Career Grand Slam as an amateur in 1962 and again in the Open Era in 1969.

With this achievement, Alcaraz has firmly placed himself among the greatest players in tennis history.

Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant was recently spotted enjoying the electric atmosphere of Wimbledon 2025 in London, where he witnessed the Round 4 showdown between Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov. With the third Test against England at Lord’s scheduled to begin on July 10, Pant made the most of his downtime by soaking in some top-tier tennis action at the prestigious Grand Slam.

Pant, widely celebrated for his fearless and unconventional batting style, shared his admiration for tennis icon Novak Djokovic during his appearance. Speaking to Star Sports, Pant likened Djokovic’s ability to his own style of cricket, saying the Serbian legend could definitely replicate the kind of shots he plays on the cricket field. He also reflected on how the evolving nature of modern sport continues to inspire him.

In a surprising yet insightful revelation, Pant threw his support behind Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the Wimbledon 2025 title. Alcaraz, who recently beat Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals, is now set to face American Taylor Fritz in the semis. Pant said, “I think I have to support Alcaraz. I think he's going to win Wimbledon. That's my prediction. Rest, whoever plays the best tennis eventually is going to win. I think Djokovic definitely can pull it off (my shots) for sure.”

From Federer’s backhand to Kyrgios’ charisma

Pant also opened up about the tennis players who have influenced him over the years. He revealed that Roger Federer’s iconic backhand was a major inspiration for him during his formative years. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter noted how Federer’s elegance left a lasting impression, even as the game evolved with new champions like Djokovic taking the spotlight.

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Further drawing parallels between himself and tennis stars, Pant mentioned Nick Kyrgios as someone whose playing style and on-field personality resonate with his own. “I think Nick Kyrgios, I think he's one guy I really used to enjoy watching because the way he plays, he enjoys his game; that is something I always look forward to,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pant has been in red-hot form during the ongoing Test series against England, scoring 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.50, including two centuries and a half-century. He will return to the field when India faces England in the third Test at Lord’s on July 10.