(Tennis news) Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz treated fans across the globe to a gruelling battle Sunday in the Western & Southern Open final. But in Cincinnati, only one man had been able to take the trophy. After nearly four hours of excitement, in which Djokovic saved a championship point, the Serbian collected his record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 title. Even the 23rd former major champion of Djokovic was taken aback by this instant classic.
“It’s a crazy match that we’ve been through today. Roller coaster of a match,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. “I don’t think I’ve played too many matches like this in my life.
“Maybe I can compare it to [against] Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open that went the distance. Obviously three sets today, but almost four hours. One of the most exciting and toughest mentally, emotionally, physically matches that I’ve ever had in my career.”
Djokovic and Alcaraz toiled for three hours, 49 minutes before the Serbian avenged his recent Wimbledon final loss to the Spaniard and levelled their Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 2-2. During their four matches, Djokovic and the world’s top player have put on mustsee sporting events for any sports enthusiast not just fans of tennis. The Serb, who at the age of 20 is still only in his early stages of their growing rivalry, foresees a few more battles with that young man.
“You just have to put your hats down to a guy like that, who plays so maturely, handles the pressure so well for a 20-year-old,” Djokovic said. “We cannot forget how young he is. That’s something that is so impressive about him. The feeling that I have on the court reminds me a little bit when I was facing Nadal when we were at our prime of our careers. Each point is a hustle. Each point is a battle.
“Amazing to be able to experience that with him on the court. It just keeps getting better for the fans. For us, I don’t know if we are enjoying it so much. It’s definitely a challenge that we both need to embrace and accept because that’s what’s required from both of us in order to win big titles.”
The 36-year-old Djokovic became the oldest Cincinnati champion in the Open Era with his 95th tour-level victory. When Djokovic recovered after being broken when serving for the match at 5-4 in the decider, it proved to be a turning point. The longest best-of-three final in ATP Tour history (since 1990) was won by the World No. 2 in a third-set tie-break after she maintained her composure.
“I was tight, no doubt about it,” Djokovic said. “When you’re facing one of the best players in the world, one of the biggest tournaments in the world, of course you can’t always feel completely free in your mind to do whatever you want to do, right?
“You’re going to experience those kind of moments where you’re going to drop with the concentration, energy, whatever it is. You just have to try to work your way out from that situation. Overall an incredible match with some really highs and really lows.”
With his fourth championship of the year, Djokovic has now amassed 38 victories this year, including Roland Garros, the Australian Open, and Adelaide 1. In the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, the Serbian will start the US Open only 20 points behind Alcaraz.
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