Novak Djokovic labels the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz as one of the ‘toughest matches of his career’

The Serb will now continue his search for the 24th Grand Slam in the 2023 US Open. 

Novak Djokovic labels the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz as one of the ‘toughest matches of his career’

Carlos Alcaraz (L), Novak Djokovic (R) (Sources: Cincy Tennis/X)

After an intense battle that went on for three hours and 48 minutes, Novak Djokovic finally emerged victorious in the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian tennis sensation labeled it as one of the toughest matches in his career as World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz gave him an incredible competition, and it was hard to predict which side was going to take home the win till the very end. 

Although it might not be right to say that Djokovic’s revenge against Alcaraz for the Wimbledon final has been completed, as that will only happen when the Serbian defeats the Spaniard in a Grand Slam, it definitely shifts the power dynamics between Novak and Carlos once again and proves that the 36-year-old is not done yet. 

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Djokovic defeated Alcaraz 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4), rallying from a set and a breakdown against the 20-year-old. It was hands down one of the best matches that was played in a long while and will be remembered in the history books. 

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“Crazy. Honestly I don’t know what else I can say. Tough to describe. Definitely 1 of the toughest matches I’ve played in my life, regardless what tournament, category, level, or what player. It’s unbelievable. From beginning til the end, we both went through so much,” the World No.2 said after the match. 

“Ups & downs. Highs & lows. Incredible points. Poor games. Heat strokes. Coming back. Overall, one of the toughest & most exciting matches I’ve ever been a part of. These are kind of moments & matches I continue to work for day in & day out. I was never in doubt I could deliver the A game when it mattered most. I’m just thrilled,” he added. 

Also Read: “WTA hates promoting women’s tennis” – Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova’s finals at the Cincinnati Open sees the tournament face wrath of fans over poor visibility of the ball due to the court color

Novak Djokovic will look to win his 24th Grand Slam in the upcoming US Open 

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Source: Sky Sports)

Djokovic will now travel to Queens immediately for the US Open, which starts on August 28th. The Serbian will definitely head into the Slam as one of the major favorites. 

Earlier, Carlos Alcaraz was the unanimous favorite to win the US Open this year and defend his title successfully. However, that opinion has definitely been steered a bit after last night’s Cincinnati Open final between Novak and Carlos. 

Novak Djokovic already won the French Open earlier this season, which marked his 23rd Grand Slam win and helped him overtake Rafael Nadal. He was also the runner-up in Wimbledon, where he lost a sensational final against Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb will now continue his search for the 24th Grand Slam in the 2023 US Open. 

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