Whoever wins the men’s singles final at the Australian Open between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday will write history.
The 38-year-old Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles since September 2023 – and one more success will remove him from Margaret Court’s record of major singles titles.
One of the young players holding back Djokovic is 22-year-old Alcaraz.
The Spaniard has already lifted six major trophies – and victory in Melbourne would seal a maiden Australian Open title and make him the youngest man to win all four Grand Slams.
Unlike Alcaraz, Djokovic doesn’t have time on his side.
That’s why this final feels so crucial for Djokovic – and that could be the fuel to fire him to the crown.
At the start of the season-opening Grand Slam, Djokovic insisted he did not feel the fortnight was a ‘make or break’ for his ambition to reach the magic number of 25.
It felt like Djokovic was trying to release the pressure on himself, and that was still reflected in Sunday’s showpiece.
Asked about its significance in the context of his career, Djokovic said: “The final of a Grand Slam, there’s a lot at stake. But it’s no different from any other big match I play.”
Only Djokovic knows if he really believes that.
However, there is little doubt that the more time passes, the less likely he is to achieve the elusive 25th title he so desires.
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