In a gripping and awe-inspiring showdown, Novak Djokovic demonstrated his sheer determination by battling through scorching heat and saving a match point to defeat the world’s top-ranked player, Carlos Alcaraz, with a final score of 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) at the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.
Following the intense four-hour match, Djokovic joyfully collapsed and ripped off his shirt, celebrating his victory and exacting revenge for his loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final last month. During the triumphant trophy presentation, Djokovic, with his impressive 23 Grand Slam titles, hailed the match as one of the most exhilarating he has ever played, equating it to a Grand Slam experience.
At the age of 36, Djokovic defied the scorching weather conditions, with temperatures hovering around 90 degrees, to clinch his third Cincinnati title. His achievement also earned him the distinction of being the oldest male champion in the tournament’s history, surpassing Ken Rosewall’s record set at the age of 35 in 1970. This men’s final, lasting 3 hours and 49 minutes, now holds the record for the longest best-of-three set final in ATP tour history since 1990.
During the first set, Djokovic seemed hindered by the oppressive humidity, struggling to move as Alcaraz seized the opener with a superb backhand winner. However, Alcaraz, seemingly unscathed despite spending over 10 hours on the court throughout the week, acquired a 4-2 lead in the second set, suggesting a potential smooth victory in his favor.
However, Alcaraz’s fortune started to wane as he encountered a disastrous service game while leading 4-3 in the second set, committing four unforced errors that revitalized Djokovic’s hopes. Djokovic’s incredible resilience led him to save a championship point in the second-set tiebreak and eventually force a deciding third set after a spectacular 25-shot rally.
During the break before the final set, an exasperated Alcaraz vented his frustration by striking his hand against the plastic drinks container next to his chair, resulting in a medical timeout to tape his finger. In the third set, Djokovic capitalized on his fifth opportunity to break Alcaraz’s serve, claiming a 4-3 lead.
The match continued to deliver nail-biting moments as Djokovic squandered two match points while serving and leading 5-3. Incredibly, Alcaraz exhibited tenacity by saving these match points and breaking Djokovic’s serve, equalizing the score at 5-5.
Ultimately, the players found themselves in another exhilarating tiebreak, which Djokovic emerged victorious from when the 20-year-old Alcaraz’s forehand return swung wide. With this win, Djokovic secured his 95th career title and his 39th Masters 1000 crown.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Djokovic clasped his trophy and expressed his admiration for Alcaraz’s refusal to surrender, calling him out for never giving up. He even expressed hopes of meeting Alcaraz again in New York, although he jokingly suggested it would be more enjoyable for the fans than himself.
The US Open is set to commence on August 28, and Alcaraz, the defending champion, will enter the tournament as the top-ranked player.
“The match was closely contested,” reflected Alcaraz. “I will return stronger.”
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
