Carlos Alcaraz thanks Novak Djokovic for the Rafael Nadal compliment following their electrict clash in the Cincinnati Masters finals

Alcaraz thanks Djokovic for the Nadal compliment as he beats the Spaniard in Cincinnati.

Carlos Alcaraz thanks Novak Djokovic for the Rafael Nadal compliment following their electrict clash in the Cincinnati Masters finals

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via Rolling Stone)

The fans in Mason, Ohio, at the Cincinnati Masters were treated to high-quality tennis all week. The icing on the cake was the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. A 3-hour, 49-minute final in the grandest fashion was on display.

Djokovic pipped the young Spaniard after being a set and 4-2 down. Alcaraz did save five championship points but eventually fell short. What also stole the show was the way both players complimented each other.

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Novak Djokovic, after thanking the organizers and his team, did mention Alcaraz quite evidently. The crowd loved it when Djokovic mentioned the very fact that Alcaraz reminded him of his arch-rival Rafael Nadal. He also said that the ones from Spain have a never say die attitude. Both players had beaming smiles, and Alcaraz made sure he acknowledged those comments in his press conference.

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“As I said, I left everything on court. For me, obviously it’s great that he knows that every time he’s going to play against me, reminds him playing against Rafa or against the best ones because that means we are in a good path.” Alcaraz then also praised Djokovic for his tenacity and said that it is not easy to face him.

Notably, the very fact that the ball keeps coming is what fascinated Alcaraz. The Spaniard did mention the physicality of the battle as well and said that it was difficult to stay in the contest at times.

Related: Brad Gilbert is making Coco Gauff be more serious about her game confesses the teen as she reaches her maiden WTA-1000 final in Cincinnati

Is Alcaraz the new Spaniard Djokovic has to deal with?

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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via Reuters)

Novak Djokovic has for years had tough battles with Spanish legend Rafael Nadal. An intense head-to-head and finals in the biggest tournaments in the world. However, time on the tennis court is coming to an end for Nadal, as he announced that 2024 will most likely be his final season. The funny part of the ATP Tour is that with Nadal gone, the Spanish threat to Djokovic is not over. 

The young Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz is fighting for the biggest trophies with the Serb. Alcaraz exhibits the qualities of Nadal and is giving the same fight to Djokovic. However, to Djokovic’s credit, he faced a player of similar age and then played a competitor 16 years younger than him. The battle is at its absolute peak and will be a pleasure for fans to watch.

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