Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic, becomes the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam

The one thing that American figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates insisted upon when they were approached about a behind-the-scenes documentary from Netflix chronicling their road to the Milan Cortina Olympics was authenticity.

The three-time and reigning ice dance world champions were not about fabricating drama. They refused to be actors in some theatrical production. Chock and Bates would participate only if the cameras gave the world an unvarnished glimpse into their world.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open to claim his seventh Grand Slam title

“We wanted to be true to us,” Bates explained to The Associated Press, “and our relationship, and tell our story.”

Good thing there is plenty of drama already built into the high-stakes, high-pressure world of competitive figure skating.

Chock and Bates, the favorites to win gold when the Winter Games begin next week, are among three ice dance teams that Netflix followed over the past year to create “ Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing, " which premiers Sunday on the streaming platform.

Alcaraz showcased extraordinary athleticism throughout the match, and he chased down shots that would normally seal points for Djokovic. Lengthy rallies highlighted the contest, with both players producing shot after shot of exceptional quality and refusing to yield ground.

After sealing victory, Alcaraz dropped his racket and lay flat on his back, hands on his head, soaking in the magnitude of the achievement. Moments later, he embraced Djokovic at the net, where the Serbian great smiled and offered his congratulations. Alcaraz then celebrated with his coaching team courtside before sharing emotional hugs with his father and support staff in the stands.

Alcaraz parted ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season and Samuel Lopez stepped up to head the team.

“Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much,” Alcaraz said. The pre-season was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally.

“We just did the right work, you were pushing me every day to do all the right things,” he added. “I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now.”

Djokovic joked about this showdown setting up a rivalry over the next 10 years with Alcaraz, but then said it was only right to hand the floor over to the new champion.

“First and foremost, congratulations to an amazing tournament and amazing couple of weeks,” Djokovic said at the trophy presentation. “What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe is historic, legendary, so congratulations. I wish the best of luck in the rest of your career.”

Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam singles crown has now repeatedly been halted by the new generation, with Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner standing in his way at nine major tournaments. Djokovic had overcome Sinner in the semifinals and was hoping to become the oldest Grand Slam champion of the Open era, but he fell just short against the Spaniard.

The match inevitably invited comparisons to some of Djokovic’s classic rivalries, including his legendary encounters with Rafael Nadal, most notably their nearly six-hour, five-set Australian Open final in 2012, the longest match in the tournament’s history.

Nadal, a 22-time major champion, was in attendance on Sunday night, and both players acknowledged him during the evening’s proceedings.

“I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is on the stands,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here, you know?

“But thank you for being present. It’s too many Spanish legends... It felt like it was two against one tonight, you know, it wasn’t fair, but OK.”

Alcaraz said it was a privilege: “I know you were watching me when I was like 15, 14 years old, so it’s been a long time. But, yeah, for me, it’s such an honor playing in front of you.”

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