World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz completed a career Grand Slam - winning all four major singles title - at the age of 22 with a four-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
Alcaraz was four years old when Djokovic first reached the final here in 2008, and in the clash of the generations it was the Spaniard who came out on top with a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena.
With two trophies at each at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam with his maiden title in Melbourne, eclipsing Don Budge - who wrapped up his at the 1938 French Open two days before his 23rd birthday - and denying the Serb a record 25th major title.
It is the first time in 11 finals at Melbourne Park that Djokovic has not come out the victor, but, having beaten one of the two new kings of men's tennis, Jannik Sinner, in an extraordinary semi-final, the other one was a step too far.
The man from Murcia is five years younger than Djokovic was when he reached seven Grand Slam titles, with only Bjorn Borg anywhere close to the same figures.
"Nobody knows how hard I've worked to get this trophy," said Alcaraz after lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
"I chased this moment so much. I appreciate it was a rollercoaster emotionally, and my team and I went through stuff but did the right work. This trophy is yours as well.
"I can't wait to come back here next year."
Djokovic had played at a sensational level for four hours against Sinner and he started the same here, timing the ball beautifully and completely outplaying Alcaraz in the opening set.
But the momentum switched on the luckiest of net cords for Alcaraz at 15-15 in the third game of the second set, the ball dropping dead on Djokovic's side of the court and prompting his opponent to raise both hands in apology.
Two points later, Alcaraz had a break of serve and a foothold in the match, with Djokovic's statistics very much heading in the wrong direction.
He headed off court for a bathroom break while the roof, which had only been a quarter open on a cool Melbourne evening, closed still further, prompting pointed questioning of officials from Alcaraz and a swift change of tack.
One of the big questions surrounding the match was how Djokovic would recover physically after his exertions of Friday.
Although Alcaraz had an even longer encounter with Alexander Zverev, and battled through cramp, he is 16 years younger.
It was scarcely possible to believe Djokovic's age as he somehow retrieved a deep backhand then sprinted forward to send a short angled flick from Alcaraz around the net post, the Serbian standing with his hands on his hips after watching his opponent scramble it back, bringing the crowd to their feet.
But Alcaraz, who has now won three Grand Slam finals against the Serb after back-to-back triumphs at Wimbledon, was beginning to find all the answers, and Djokovic's resistance was broken again in the fifth game.
The watching Rafael Nadal, who must have been having flashbacks to his battles with Djokovic here, nodded his approval.
Nadal never got the better of his great rival on Rod Laver Arena - very few have - but Alcaraz was showing his full box of tricks, and Djokovic was powerless to resist.
Djokovic took tablets during a visit from the trainer before the fourth set, and hung on grimly through an epic first service game, saving six break points and soaking up the energy from his fans.
Would Nadal perhaps like to play in his place, Djokovic inquired of the Spaniard, who chuckled in response and stayed firmly in his seat.
Djokovic grimaced after just missing a forehand that would have given him a 5-4 lead, Alcaraz roaring in delight after surviving the game.
It was to prove Djokovic's final chance, with Alcaraz collapsing to the court after a final forehand from his opponent flew long.
Djokovic said in a gracious and funny speech: "I'm sure we'll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years... not."
The Serbian appeared to cast doubt on whether he has another crack at this title in him, saying to the crowd: "I must be very honest and say I didn't think I would be standing in the closing ceremony of a grand slam once again.
"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. It has been a great ride. I love you guys."
Britain's doubles legend Jamie Murray, speaking on TNT Sports:
"Alcaraz is sitting down at the change of ends and smiling over to his box. He's smiling after the rallies. That's why people love him.
"They love the fact this guy is competing for history. In reality, he's in incredibly stressful and difficult moments, but he's out there enjoying it, thriving in it.
"That's why the fans love him. He's carrying the sport right now."
Six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Tim Henman speaking on TNT Sports:
"It did take Djokovic a few matches to feel good on the court, however I think he's one of the very few in tennis that just doesn't need those extra tournaments.
"Yes, he'll play a few, it's not like he can suddenly turn up at the French Open and be match fit, but once he plays a few to be competitive, Roland Garros and Wimbledon is always a busy time of year and he can absolutely come through the early rounds and play his way into fitness and form.
"There are less players that play well on grass, so your pool of winners is even fewer at Wimbledon, and he is absolutely in that mix.
"He's always believed in himself, but I think having beaten Sinner and got to another Grand Slam final, this will have just emphasised that he still has opportunities."
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