Novak Djokovic took positives from his run to the Australian Open final but admitted he was left “a little bitter” after Carlos Alcaraz once again denied him a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic’s 10-match unbeaten streak in Melbourne Park finals came to an end in his 11th, as Alcaraz claimed a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory at Rod Laver Arena. The world number one has now stopped Djokovic from surpassing Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record three times in major finals, including back-to-back Wimbledon deciders in 2023-24.

Despite the disappointment, the 38-year-old said he was proud of his tournament and grateful to reach the final.

“It’s hard just after the match to be all positive and smiling because you are a competitor—you don’t want to lose,” Djokovic told reporters. “I managed to beat Jannik [Sinner], the double-defending champion here, in five sets. Very proud of that. Incredible match, incredible achievement.

“But you’re speaking to me ten minutes after losing the final, so of course I’m going to be a little bit bitter. Still, I lost to a world number one and already a legendary player.”

After dominating the first set, Djokovic admitted he lost energy in the second and third but declined to take anything away from Alcaraz’s performance. He rued a missed break point at 4-4 in the fourth set, when a misfired forehand cost him momentum despite late support from the crowd.

“That forehand… I had a good look at it,” he said. “My forehand broke down in important moments. One or two shots can change the momentum and switch things around. A lot of ‘what-if’ scenarios in my head.”

Djokovic’s path to the final included a walkover in the fourth round and an opponent retirement while he was two sets down in the quarter-finals, underscoring the challenges he overcame.

In his runner-up speech, he reflected on his unexpected presence at a Grand Slam trophy ceremony. “I have belief, confidence, and a vision to win a Slam anywhere, but I did not expect to be standing here. That’s different,” he said.

Looking ahead, Djokovic acknowledged that Alcaraz and Sinner would remain obstacles at the majors. “The two of them are going to be fighting for the biggest titles, and the youngsters—like myself—are going to try to catch up.”