Djokovic Captures Third Cincinnati Open Title with Comeback Win over Alcaraz
Djokovic Captures Third Cincinnati Open Title with Comeback Win over Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic won the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on August 20, 2023, with a score of 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4). The match was a grueling three-hour and 44-minute affair, with both players battling through heat illness and fatigue. Djokovic was seen by the physio and doctor at various points in the match, but he was able to dig deep and find a way to win.
A Tough Win in Wearying Conditions
The victory was Djokovic’s third Cincinnati Open title, and his 39th Masters 1000 title overall. It was also his first title since winning Wimbledon in July. Djokovic will now look to build on this momentum as he prepares for the US Open, which begins on August 29.
A Exciting Match That Lasts Three Hours, 44 Minutes
Five match points and nearly four hours were required for Novak Djokovic to overcome Carlos Alcaraz and win the ATP Cincinnati Open for the third time on Sunday.
The world’s top two players engaged in a tremendous duel, with Djokovic, who appeared to be out of breath in the second set, saving a match point before converting on his own fifth match chance to win in three sets by scores of 5-7, 7-6 (9/7), and 7-6 (7/4).
A Thrilling Three-Hour, 44-Minute Match
In a match that lasted three hours and 44 minutes, 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic stated, “I don’t know what I can say. It’s crazy.” Djokovic was treated by physicians for heat illness early in the second set.
“It’s hard to put into words. It was the most difficult game I’ve ever played.
“From beginning to end, we both had highs and lows, fantastic moments, poor performances, heat exhaustion, and comebacks.
“In general, this was the hardest and most thrilling match I’ve ever played in.
“I keep working for matches like these,” the speaker said.
The 20-year-old top-ranked Alcaraz and the 36-year-old Serb star, who avenged his defeat to the Spaniard in a five-set Wimbledon final last month, continued their epic rivalry in this match.
The two, who have switched the top spot six times this year, are now tied in their head-to-head competition with two victories each.
With the initial break of the first set, Djokovic, who now has a record-extending 39 victories at the top Masters 1000 level, sent Alcaraz sprawling and took a 4-2 lead.
But the Spaniard returned the favour a short while later.
Djokovic left the court for a seven-minute wardrobe change after Alcaraz broke for a 6-5 lead and held to win the set.
In the second set, Djokovic had assistance from the trainer and doctor as he was plainly feeling the effects of the hot, muggy weather.
After being broken to make it 2-1, Alcaraz used a drop shot that Djokovic couldn’t reach to go ahead 4-2.
However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion received applause as he broke Alcaraz to get back in and even the set at 4-4 before moving on to a tiebreaker.
At 5-6 in the tie-breaker, Alcaraz had a chance to win it, but Djokovic saved a match point. When Alcaraz put a ball into the net on Djokovic’s second set point, the match proceeded to a third set.
Never a concern
While Alcaraz slumped down and beat his right hand on his seat in rage, Djokovic went to the locker room to change into another outfit.
The seventh game, which lasted nine minutes and featured five break points, was won by the Spaniard, who afterwards needed to have a finger wrapped up.
Read This Also: Djokovic Suffers Heatstroke in Cincinnati Open Final
The match, which the ATP Tour claimed to be the longest best-of-three set final in tour history, went back and forth with Djokovic serving for the title at 5-4 but failing to win it two games later.
Weary Djokovic collapsed to the ground in relief, bounced up, and tore his shirt front down the middle while roaring in victory or agony—or possibly a little of both.
