Cincinnati, Ohio – In a gripping display of skill and determination, Novak Djokovic demonstrated his tenacity by overcoming stifling heat and a match point to secure a sensational victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final on Sunday. The intense four-hour contest culminated in a heart-pounding thriller, with Djokovic emerging triumphant with a 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) scoreline.
Following his hard-fought win, Djokovic expressed his elation, collapsing onto his back and dramatically tearing open his shirt in a euphoric display. This victory held special significance as it avenged his recent defeat to the young Spanish player in the Wimbledon final last month.
With palpable exhaustion evident, Djokovic spoke while collecting his third Cincinnati Open title, stating, “There is so much to say, but my energy is fleeting. This has been a roller coaster of emotions, undeniably one of the most demanding and exhilarating matches I’ve ever been part of in any tournament.”
The Serb’s victory carried an aura of a Grand Slam final, resonating beyond the confines of a typical match. Djokovic’s battle against the elements became apparent in the opening set, as the oppressive humidity took its toll. Hindered by the conditions, he struggled to move freely, and Alcaraz capitalized by securing the set with a 5-7 scoreline.
Despite facing a 4-2 deficit in the second set, Alcaraz appeared to have the upper hand, with Djokovic visibly struggling under the Ohio sun. However, Alcaraz’s advantage diminished when he faltered in a pivotal service game at 4-3, gifting an opportunity for Djokovic to rally back.
In a tense second-set tiebreak, Djokovic defied a championship point and clinched the set with a 25-shot rally, forcing a deciding third set. During the interlude before the final set, a frustrated Alcaraz vented his frustration by striking his right hand against a plastic drinks container, necessitating a medical time-out to tape his finger.
The climactic third set saw Djokovic break for a 5-3 lead, yet he encountered adversity by missing two match points in the subsequent game. The unfolding drama escalated as Djokovic missed an overhead shot at 5-5, pushing the encounter into yet another tiebreak. On his fifth match point of the contest, Djokovic finally secured the win in the tiebreak, clinching victory in a triumphant climax.
Amidst the emotion-laden atmosphere, Alcaraz extended his congratulations, acknowledging Djokovic’s remarkable prowess. “I want to congratulate Novak once again. It’s amazing to play against you, share the court with you, learn from you. This match was really close, but I learned a lot.”
Djokovic’s triumph marked his 95th career title and 39th Masters 1000 crown, further solidifying his position among tennis legends. Notably, this tournament was Djokovic’s first on U.S. soil in two years, a testament to his resilience as he navigated the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.
With his sights set on the U.S. Open, scheduled from August 28 to September 10, Djokovic aims to add a 24th Grand Slam trophy to his illustrious collection. The contest against Alcaraz further intensified their emerging generational rivalry, with the pair now holding an even 2-2 head-to-head record. Djokovic, looking ahead, expressed the hope of facing Alcaraz again in New York, envisioning an exciting spectacle for the crowd.
