Even at 38, Novak Djokovic came out swinging in the Australian Open final, winning the first set and looking every bit like the champion who’d won this trophy 10/10 times. But as the match wore on, the momentum shifted to Carlos Alcaraz’s side and remained there. For a moment, it felt like Novak Djokovic’s era might finally be ending. But is it really over?

“But I must be very honest and say that I didn’t, you know, think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again. So I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward. God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So it has been a great ride. I love you guys,” said Djokovic to close out his post-match speech.

It wasn’t exactly a retirement announcement, not even close. But it did feel like the first subtle hint that the end might be somewhere on the horizon, a quiet acknowledgment that nothing lasts forever, even for a titan like Novak Djokovic.

On Sunday, inside a packed Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz captured his first Australian Open title with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Still, in true Djokovic fashion, he handled the moment with grace, praising his 22-year-old opponent.

“This is Carlos’ moment,” Djokovic said, choosing to keep the spotlight firmly on the new champion. “I want to just say in the end that you guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia, that much love, support, positivity.”

He went on to speak from the heart, almost like he was thinking out loud in front of the crowd.

“I try to give you back with good tennis over the years,” he said. “This has been my, I think, 21st year, maybe 22nd year coming to Australia. Honestly, you know, I always believe in myself and I think that is something that is, you know, truly needed and necessary when you’re playing at this level against incredible players like Carlos and Jannik.”

This is a developing story…