What’s the takeaway from this Cincinnati final? Novak Djokovic’s gladiator roar after tearing off his celebratory shirt, Carlos Alcaraz’s tears, or Djokovic’s insane ability to raise his game during tense moments or backhand swings Alcaraz’s suffocation was dubbed immortal on YouTube? In a non-grandslam match for ages that can go deep for countless times, Djokovic emerged with an impressive victory. That he won’t disappear when he sees the next great champion.
With their resounding Wimbledon final still behind them, the potentially generation-defining showdown between Djokovic and Alcaraz gave birth to another epic showdown, as Djokovic beat his younger opponent. 16 years old with a score of 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) to claim a 39th Masters 1000 title. At 3:49 p.m., it was the longest three Masters final in history. history of ATP, but the running time doesn’t do justice to the fascinating contest in which momentum changes from time to time, championship points are preserved, winners draw lines, and breathtaking rallies occur. Later.
Above all, however, this is a statement from Djokovic. After narrowly losing at Wimbledon last month, the Serb often finds a way to counter the full spectrum of Alcaraz’s raw generational talent and bounce back from defeat, saving match points and then wasting away. four points of his own, to win his 95th career title – putting him third in the all-time standings behind Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic.
One of the best series you will EVER watch.Enjoy…#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/YGKYUhRm1s
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 21, 2023
Unlike their first encounter in a high-quality trilogy this summer, when Alcaraz succumbed to cramps in the French Open semi-final, it was Djokovic here who seemed to struggle in the one. drought in Cincinnati.
After taking the lead with a typical solid serve-and-return game and leading 4-2 in the first set, Djokovic began sullen in the near 35-degree heat and made a mistake as Alcaraz slightly raised his game. up to take advantage. Win five of the next six games to claim the first game.
Since then, Alcaraz has been able to seize control using his low forehand and backhand cuts to win most of the basic trades. Djokovic may be a set and broken but Alcaraz will then see the full force of the Serb’s enduring legacy of being able to deal with almost any score.
BOOM@b_nakashima | #WSOpen pic.twitter.com/ZIyQ8VoDOe
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 21, 2023
Since then, Djokovic has taken control. The heat subsided as night fell and the match tilted in favor of Djokovic’s racquet as he poked Alcaraz’s reserve net, testing his younger opponent’s mental resilience after he squandered a match point , leading 5-3, before another turning point.
One notable aspect of Djokovic’s defeat in the Wimbledon final was the fact it was hardly a tactical contest. Alcaraz overcame by playing at his highest level and displaying the terrifying raw talent and natural instincts he possessed, as opposed to the petty problem-solving style that rich players have. more experienced as Djokovic would do to win back on the big stage.
Djokovic will witness the terrifying power of that talent again, as Alcaraz saves four match points with four amazingly diverse winners, one of which, the curved backhand beat Djokovic on grid, became an instant classic. Momentum dropped again as Alcaraz dug deep to force a break, but Djokovic’s superior experience prevailed as he silenced the crowd and took the lead under pressure and won.
Emotions surged, Djokovic fell back, ripping his shirt, Alcaraz in tears and looking mentally exhausted. The 23-time Grand Slam champion softened the blow with typical praise.
“Honestly, it’s like a Grand Slam final.” @DjokerNole give 5 stars today #CincyTennis Finally the highest score… pic.twitter.com/wUQ4XKBTsJ
– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 21, 2023
“Crazy. Honestly, I don’t know what else I can say. Hard to describe. Definitely one of the hardest matches I’ve played in my life, no matter what league or category. , what level, what player. It was unbelievable,” he said after the game.
“This competition is only getting better. It gets better and better. great player. Lots of respect for him. For such a young player, it is very impressive to show so much poise at key moments,” he said of Alcaraz.
Lessons learned by both players after Wimbledon. Alcaraz let Djokovic back into that competition thanks to the Serb’s superior return, especially on wide serves, but this time he served exceptionally well under pressure, not resisting. serve when necessary. He saved a whopping 13 out of 16 break points.
Most read
first
Aamir Khan showed up at my one-room kitchen in the middle of the night because he wasn’t happy with a scene: Mushtaq Khan
2
Gadar 2 box office 9th day: Sunny Deol-starrer records the second biggest saturday of all time, towards Rs 400 crore
Djokovic, too, tends not to take riskier low-rate shots, instead knocking his opponents down thanks to a resilient defense, and by extending serves and mistake.
Neither player is completely leaning forward either. Alcaraz, struggling with rhythm throughout the North American hard court game, has lost a set in his last three games and had to save a match point in the semi-final against Hubert Hurkacz. Djokovic, who has only played seven sets since Wimbledon, has yet to be tested for fitness.
But as far as teasers go, ahead of the US Open, which begins next week, the duo delivered as epic as one can imagine.
Leave a Reply