Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz to win the Cincinnati title: Ohio’s Mason — In a nail-biting drama on Sunday, Novak Djokovic overcame a favorable point and oppressive heat to defeat world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (four).
After winning the nearly four-hour match to claim his third title in Cincinnati and exact revenge for his loss to Alcaraz in last month’s Wimbledon final, Djokovic slumped on his back and tore off his shirt.
During the post-match trophy presentation, Djokovic, who has won a record-breaking 23 Grand Slam titles, said, “This was one of the thrilling suits I’ve ever played in any match.” It was “like a Grand Slam,”
The 36-year-old Djokovic endured the tournament’s longest men’s suit in near-90 degree conditions on the justification that he had to be alive in 1990 to become the oldest man to win the title. In 1970, Ken Rosewall gained upon turning 35.
The match clocked in at 3 hours, forty-nine minutes, making it the longest three-set final in ATP tour records since 1990.
When Alcaraz hit a backhand winner to win the opening set, the Serbian player appeared handicapped due to the high humidity and could hardly move.
Despite spending more than 10 hours on the court this week, Alcaraz looked flawless as he took a 4-2 lead in the second set and seemed like he may coast to the finish line.
But Alcaraz managed to play a terrible service game while leading 4-3, which included four unforced mistakes and gave the No. 2 field life.
After winning a 25-shot rally in the second one-set tiebreak, Djokovic saved a championship point and proceeded to force a second set.
An irate Alcaraz struck his hand at the plastic drink container next to his chair during the break before the third set, necessitating a medical timeout so that his finger could be taped.
On his fifth attempt in the match to break, Djokovic did so in the decider to take a 4-three lead.
As Djokovic wasted opportunities to improve his physical condition when returning and leading five-3, the drama might continue.
While Djokovic missed an overhead for a five-point advantage, Alcaraz was able to save two additional good points and damage serve.
The match eventually proceeded to a second tiebreak, which Djokovic won after a stunning forehand return from the 20-year-old.
With the victory, Djokovic earned his thirty-ninth Masters 1000 crown and his 95th career victory.
Djokovic said, clutching his trophy, “I actually have a lot to say, but I’m not sure that I have the energy. He stopped and turned to face Alcaraz.
“Do you never give up?” said he. “I appreciate that about you. In New York, I want to see you. That would be funny, but not to me. Nicely, for the fans.
Beginning on August 28, the US Open. Alcaraz, the current champion, will undoubtedly start the match as the number one seed.
The game got quite tight, Alcaraz remarked. “I’ll be there again.”
This report was produced in part by Reuters and The Associated Press.