"It wasn't fair!": Novak Djokovic jokes playing "two against one" in AO final with Alcaraz and attendee Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic came up just short of capturing a record-breaking 25th major title Sunday in Melbourne.

But was the 38-year-old playing at a slight disadvantage?

Two days after ousting Jannik Sinner in five sets, Djokovic ultimately went down at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, to suffer his first loss in 11 Australian Open finals.

The 22-year-old wasn’t the only Spanish icon inside Rod Laver Arena though, as 22-time Grand Slam title holder Rafael Nadal was front and center for the blockbuster showdown.

“Too many Spanish legends, felt like I was two against one tonight. It wasn’t fair, but OK!” joked Djokovic during his runner-up speech.

The Serbian shared nine major finals with his former rival, who finished with a 5-4 career edge in those meetings. Djokovic took both of their title bouts at the Happy Slam, in 2012 and 2019.

“It feels very weird to see you there and not here. I just want to say it’s been an honor to share the court with you and to have you watching the final here,” said the No. 4 seed. “it’s the first time for me. Obviously a bit of a strange feeling but thank you for being present.”

Too many Spanish legends, felt like I was two against one tonight. It wasn’t fair, but OK! Novak Djokovic

Djokovic had nothing but kind words for the day’s victorious competitor. With his win, Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam—breaking Don Budge’s 88-year record.

“What you’ve been doing, the best word to describe it is historic, legendary. So congratulations,” he said.

Ever the comedian, Djokovic continued, “I wish you best of luck for the rest of your career. You’re so young, you have a lot of time like myself. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years, yeah? Not!”

Alcaraz, for his part, returned the favor with equally warm words.

“He deserves an ovation for sure. You’re talking about how I’m doing the amazing things  But what you’re doing is really inspiring. Not only for tennis players, but athletes and all the (people) around the world,” he said.

“For me, I enjoy so much watching you play. It’s been an honor sharing the locker, sharing the court. Thank you very much for what you are doing.”

Djokovic reached over to extend his hand in gratitude, before the man of the hour carried on with his magnificent moment.