Novak Djokovic edges out Carlos Alcaraz in pulsating Cincinnati Open final to win ‘rollercoaster of a match’

ByJames Hilsum

Published 21/08/2023 at 07:08 GMT

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz produced another final that will go down in tennis folklore after slugging it out for just under four hours in the heat of Cincinnati. Djokovic would go on to to get some degree of revenge after his defeat in last month's Wimbledon final winning 5-7 7-6(7) 6-3, and saving a championship point in the process. Attention now turns to the US Open on August 28.

Novak Djokovic fought back from a championship point down to beat Carlos Alcaraz 5-7 7-6(7) 6-3 in an epic Cincinnati Open final that will go down as one of the best in history.

A little over a month after the two battled it out in the Wimbledon final, this match between the two best players in the world provided more of the same breathless entertainment.

It was Djokovic’s third Cincinnati title and his 39th at ATP Masters 1000 level, and he responded with a Hulk-like ripped shirt celebration.

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Alcaraz drew first blood in the contest after recovering from a break down, and he claimed the first with a superb backhand winner.

But Djokovic showed his immense battling qualities just when the world No. 1 looked to have the trophy in his grasp, recovering from 4-2 down in the second set and then successfully defending a championship point.

He recovered to take the second set to a tie-break, which predictably went the distance, as the Serb prevailed 9-7 to level the overall score.

'One of the toughest matches I've ever played in my life' - Djokovic on epic Cincinnati final

There was more incredible entertainment on offer for those watching the match in the sweltering heat, as Alcaraz saved four championship points himself with some stunning winning shots to take the third set to another tie-break.

However, this one was more straightforward for the Serbian, who would win the match on his fifth championship point to win the tie-break 7-4.

Djokovic compares Alcaraz match to Australian Open 2012 final against Nadal

Speaking to reporters after the match, Djokovic said: “It's a crazy match that we've been through today. A rollercoaster of a match. I don't think I've played too many matches like this in my life.

“Maybe I can compare it to [against] Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open that went the distance. Obviously, three sets today, but almost four hours. One of the most exciting and toughest mentally, emotionally, physically matches that I've ever had in my career.

'We are so, so proud of ourselves' - Alcaraz positive despite final loss to Djokovic

“You just have to put your hats down to a guy like that, who plays so maturely, handles the pressure so well for a 20-year-old. We cannot forget how young he is. That's something that is so impressive about him.

"The feeling that I have on the court reminds me a little bit when I was facing Nadal when we were at our prime of our careers. Each point is a hustle. Each point is a battle.

“Amazing to be able to experience that with him on the court. It just keeps getting better for the fans. For us, I don't know if we are enjoying it so much. It's definitely a challenge that we both need to embrace and accept because that's what's required from both of us in order to win big titles.”

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