According to BBC Sport, Alcaraz struggled early on as the experienced Djokovic controlled the opening set. But the world number one soon found his rhythm and began to dominate from the baseline, eventually wearing down the 38-year-old Serb. Djokovic, who was hoping to win a record 25th Grand Slam title, showed his respect by crossing the net to hug his opponent.

The win gives Alcaraz his seventh major title and makes him just the ninth man in history to win all four Grand Slam tournaments,  the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. Djokovic remains tied on 24 major titles with Australia’s Margaret Court, who was watching from the stands, after his latest attempt to move clear fell short. In recent seasons, Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner have become the leading figures in men’s tennis, sharing the last nine Grand Slam titles between them.

Djokovic praised his opponent during the presentation ceremony, highlighting the impact Alcaraz has already made on the sport.”The work you have been doing is historic – legendary,” Djokovic told Alcaraz in his runners-up speech.