- Novak Djokovic triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Open
- So overwhelmed was the Serbian tennis that he ripped his shirt after this victory
- Alcaraz won the first set but lost in two others
Novak Djokovic triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Open finals to win the masters in a resounding comeback.
So overwhelmed was the Serbian tennis that he ripped his shirt after this victory and shed a tear of joy.
This came weeks after Alcaraz beat him in the Wimbledon finals. His incredible victory over Alcaraz in Cincinnati is the most impressive comeback victory in his illustrious career.
There isn’t a thrilling final in the lengthy history of the ATP Masters 1000 as this. Djokovic pushed and reinvented himself as the next big hero of the men’s game and the most successful player of them all.
Just when many thought that he had given up, he staged an epic comeback during an epic drama that lasted three hours and 48 minutes.
At the conclusion of this thrilling encounter, both Djokovic and Alcaraz appeared to be in tears. And it was simple to see why given that both players had match points in a game that instantly cemented its status as an all-time tennis classic.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has a problem, and it was clear from the start of this match that he would not be able to solve it.
Novak Djokovic Wins the Cincinnati Open. Photo/Sportsnet
Djokovic appeared exhausted and red-faced as he fell behind 7-5, 4-2 to the world No. 1, who appeared ready to prove he understood how to beat him.
The Serbian also appeared to be sweltering in the Cincinnati heat. The heat that increased during this match seemed to be too much for him to take.
He shouted at his coaching box in an attempt to request help before giving up the first set, and after committing three double faults in a row gave up his service to begin the second set.
Djokovic also appeared shaky on his feet at times, particularly when serving from the end of the court where the sun was beating down.
The 36-year-old had the look of a veteran champion who just couldn’t handle what was coming at him from a young adversary who had his number, even with the Cincinnati crowd yelling his name as they attempted to support their hero.
His yells seemed to have worked after a few minutes with his doctors. Whatever they gave him seemed to work.
Carlos Alcaraz Cincinnati Open win. Photo/Last word on sports
Although Alcaraz had a terrible game that allowed Djokovic to break back in the second set, the Spaniard still looked to be the overwhelming favourite to win Cincinnati over a rival who was more rested and eager to win.
Alcaraz had a chance to win the match during the second set tie-break, but he lost the opportunity and Djokovic continued to appear unsteady as the third set began.
However, Djokovic managed to break Alcaraz’s serve and won the game at 5-4 forcing the Spaniard to give up the lead as this exciting encounter took a delightful turn.
This lavish tennis feast concluded with the final few games and the tie-break after Alcaraz’s hand cramped over the last few points.
Alcaraz’s forehand missed the mark at 6-4 in the tie-break, and Djokovic saw a magical chance to clinch his 39th ATP Masters 1000 championship.
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