Novak Djokovic battled to safe a four-hour hard-fought triumph in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz, clinching his third ATP Cincinnati Open title Sunday after requiring 5 match factors.
A titanic wrestle between the world’s high two gamers noticed Djokovic – who seemed out on his toes within the second set – save a match level earlier than coming by way of on his personal fifth match level for a 5-7, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4) triumph.
“It’s crazy, I don’t know what I can say,” mentioned 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who was seen by the medical doctors early within the second set for warmth sickness in a battle that lasted three hours and 44 minutes.
“It’s robust to explain. It was the hardest I’ve ever performed in my life.
“From begin to end, we each went by way of highs, lows, unbelievable factors, unhealthy video games, heatstroke, comebacks.
“Overall, this was the hardest and most enjoyable match I’ve ever been part of.
“It’s matches like these that I continue to work for.”
It was one other epic chapter to the budding rivalry between 20-year-old top-ranked Alcaraz and the 36-year-old Serb star, who avenged his loss to the Spaniard in a five-set Wimbledon closing final month.
The two – who’ve traded the primary rating six instances this 12 months – are actually degree on two wins apiece of their head-to-head rivalry.
“I feel proud of myself, honestly. I don’t know why I was crying because I fight until the last ball,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“I almost beat one of the greatest of all time in our sport. I left the court really happy with what I did.”
The 20-year-old unleashed all the pieces he had at Djokovic and located it wasn’t sufficient.
“It was really, really difficult playing. Novak returns five, six, seven balls on every point,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“So preventing and working from one nook to the opposite one on each level is absolutely robust to take care of for nearly the entire match.
“I left everything on the court. I’m working very well. But today, it was tough to deal with everything that Novak had.”
Djokovic, who earned a record-extending thirty ninth victory on the elite Masters 1000 degree, secured the primary break of the opening set at love for a 4-2 lead.
Alcaraz broke again and broke once more for a 6-5 lead then held to take the set earlier than Djokovic left the courtroom for a seven-minute change of garments.
Djokovic, clearly affected by the recent, muggy circumstances, was visited by the coach and physician within the second set.
He was damaged to path 2-1, Alcaraz grabbing a 4-2 edge with a drop shot that Djokovic could not contact.
But the 23-time Grand Slam winner broke Alcaraz to drag degree 4-4 on the best way to a tie-breaker.
Djokovic saved a match level at 5-6 and compelled a 3rd set when Alcaraz dumped a shot into the web on Djokovic’s second set level.
Never doubtful
Djokovic headed off to the locker room for one more clothes change whereas Alcaraz pounded his proper hand on his bench in frustration as he sat down.
The Spaniard – who then wanted to have a finger taped up – was damaged in a nine-minute seventh recreation that featured 5 break factors.
The back-and-forth battle continued, Djokovic unable to transform serving for the match at 5-4 however placing it away two video games later after the longest best-of-three set closing in ATP Tour historical past.
A weary Djokovic dropped to the courtroom in aid, then bounced up and ripped his shirt down the center as he let loose a roar of triumph or agony – or maybe a little bit of each.
“I was never in doubt that I could deliver the match when it mattered the most,” he mentioned, including that the rivalry with Alcaraz “is just getting better and better.”
“Carlos is an amazing player, I have tons of respect for him,” Djokovic mentioned. “He is so poised at such a young age.”
Alcaraz will stay primary on this planet and would be the high seed whereas defending his title on the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug.28.
Djokovic, who declined to be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19, was taking part in his first U.S. match in two years.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
