Image source, Getty Images

Newly crowned Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, speaking on court after his victory over Novak Djokovic to complete the career Grand Slam, said:

"I want to talk about Novak - he deserves an ovation for sure. You talk about how I'm doing amazing things, but what you're doing is inspiring - not just for tennis players, but for athletes around the world and for me as well.

"You put in hard work every day with your team and I enjoy watching you play and it's been an honour sharing the locker room and the court with you. Thank you for what you're doing because it's really inspiring to me.

"My team in the corner, nobody knows how hard I've been working to get this trophy. Pre-season was a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally.

"We just did the right work, you pushed me every day to do the right things and I'm really grateful for everyone in my corner. This trophy is also yours."

Now, let's hear from history-maker Carlos Alcaraz.

Image source, Getty Images

So, Novak Djokovic just about stopped short of announcing his future plans and whether he will return to the Australian Open next year.

The Serb looks gutted as he walks down the tunnel back to the locker room.

In a classy speech, he ensured none of the attention would be taken away from Carlos Alcaraz's historic moment.

He has proven that, at 38 years old, he can still mix it with the very best. But we will have to wait and see what he decides to do next.

More from Novak Djokovic: "I want to keep it short as this is Carlos' moment.

"You guys (the fans) gave me something, particularly the last couple of matches, with the love and support. I try to give you back with good tennis over the years. This I think was my 21st year coming to Australia. I always believe in myself which is something that is truly needed when you play against incredible players like I have the last few days.

"I didn't think I would be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again. God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone six or 12 months. It has been a great ride. I love you guys."

Image source, Getty Images

Australian Open runner-up Novak Djokovic says: "First and foremost of course congratulations Carlos. An amazing tournament and an amazing couple of weeks. What you have been doing, the best word to describe it is historic. Legendary.

"I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career. You are so young you have a lot of time, like myself.

"I am sure we will be seeing a lot of each other over the next 10 years... not!

"I also have to thank my team for enduring me and giving me support. It hasn't been smooth sailing as it never is. You guys were my rock and you have seen the best and worst of me over the last few years but in particular the last three weeks.

"I also want to speak to the legendary Rafa (Nadal) who is in the stands. Obviously it feels very weird to see you there and not here. I just want to say it has been an honour to share the court with you. To have you here watching this final, first time for me, it is a strange feeling but thank you for being present.

"Too many Spanish legends, it felt like I was two against one tonight!"

Carlos Alcaraz tells Novak Djokovic he is "inspiring". There's a lot of respect, and love, between these two.

We'll bring you their words in full next.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

When you think that Alcaraz and Sinner have split so many of the Grand Slams in the past couple of years, now he's extended his lead over Sinner, his biggest rival who has four still.

Sinner would have to win all of the slams remaining this year to be able to equal him.

It is 21 years since Novak Djokovic made his first Grand Slam appearance, at the Australian Open, in 2005.

He has just gone toe-to-toe with Carlos Alcaraz, who has made history aged 22 and was born just 18 months before the Serb's debut appearance at a major.

Djokovic is first to speak to the crowd and jokes to Alcaraz that they will hopefully have many more battles to come over the next 10 years, before a 'not' follows shortly after their shared laughter.

Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Alcaraz, after that first set, barely missed a ball. There were very few unforced errors and he forced Novak to play his best tennis and serve his best to stay in the match.

Novak kept fighting and fighting. Well done to both players.

Men's players who have achieved the career Grand Slam in the Open era:

• Rod Laver - 1969 US Open - age 31
• Andre Agassi - 1999 Roland Garros - age 29
• Roger Federer - 2009 Roland Garros - age 27
• Rafael Nadal - 2010 US Open - age 24
• Novak Djokovic - 2016 Roland Garros - age 29
• Carlos Alcaraz - 2026 Australian Open - age 22

Image source, Getty Images

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's an incredible scene to witness and very special to have been here to see this piece of history from such an exceptional talent.

Carlos Alcaraz has now won seven of the eight Grand Slam finals he has contested.

If he carries on like this, you wonder how long it might be before we begin to consider when he might even match Novak Djokovic's tally.

The replays show Djokovic smiling as he embraced Alcaraz at the net at the end of the match, after the Spaniard had picked himself off the ground in celebrating his triumph. Wonderful scenes.

Image source, Getty Images

Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

To win all four at this age is quite phenomenal.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

22 years of age, a seventh Grand Slam title and that career Grand Slam secured.

He's younger than Fred Perry and Don Budge of the 1930s, younger than Rod Laver and Roy Emerson in the 1960s, younger than Andre Agassi at the turn of the century, and younger even than the great Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

It's Carlos Alcaraz on top of the world again.

Carlos Alcaraz runs into the stands and embraces his team.

That is Grand Slam number seven for the 22-year-old.

He is the youngest men's player in the Open era to reach that tally.

And he has denied Novak Djokovic his own moment of history in the process. The search for title 25 goes on for the Serb.

Novak Djokovic stumbles backwards as he sends a shot into the net from deep in the court.

Carlos Alcaraz has championship points!

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

What a point! A lung-buster of a point!