Australian Open final: Alcaraz beats Djokovic to make history – reaction

Djokovic collects his runners-up plate as the crowd chant his name, the adulation he’s not always received in victory there in defeat. He begins by congratulating Alcaraz and his team, describing their work as “historic, legendary,” and wishing him luck for the rest of his career – gosh, he’s not going to retire here and now is he? – before joking he’s sure they’ll enjoy many more matches over the next 10 years.

Next, he thanks his team for “enduring me” – it’s not been “smooth sailing” and they’ve seen the best and worst of him over the last number of years but most particularly the last three weeks. His success is their success.

Then it’s on to Nadal, who’s in the stands, saying it feels very weird to see him there and not here, “here” being where he is; it’s been an honour to share the court with him as it is now to be watched by him, this being the first time. It was two Spanish legends against one, which isn’t fair.

He had a winning speech and a losing speech prepared, he adds, and this is Carlos’s moment, so he doesn’t want to take a long time, but he thanks the crowd for their support and positivity. He’s tried to give it back with good tennis – this is his 21st or 22nd year – and he always believes in himself which is truly necessary when playing at this level, but he didn’t think he’s be there in the final, so owes the crowd his gratitude for pushing him forwards. “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months,” he finishes, “but it has been a great ride, I love you guys.”

So not quite a retirement, but perhaps the first hint that it’s close. Gosh. I fear my eyeballs may be sweating.