The final flashback of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz for 2023 Cincinnati | The ATP Tour

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The biggest final in ATP Masters 1000 history? Thinking about Djokovic vs. Alcaraz Cincy epic

The 2023 clash was the longest three-match final in ATP Tour history (since 1990)

August 11, 2024

No one will soon forget the 2023 Cincinnati Open championship match.

A humdinger played between two of the world’s best players in the Ohio heat, the three-hour, 49-minute clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz was one of the greatest matches in the history of the ATP Masters 1000. Physical and mental toughness from both players, consistent quality shots the highest, and Djokovic’s fight from the ground to win the trophy were among the factors that ensured that the match quickly reached the old stage.

“You are crazy. To be honest, I don’t know what else to say,” commented Djokovic after his 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) victory at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. “It’s hard to explain. It’s definitely one of the hardest games I’ve ever played in my life, regardless of which tournament, which division, which level, which player. It’s unbelievable.”

Such a dramatic final seemed impossible when the No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Alcaraz led No. 2 Djokovic, who seemed to be struggling in the heat, by a set and a break 7-5, 4-3. Even after Djokovic got the break, he still had to win the match point at 5/6 in the second-set-break game, which he did with a big serving combo.

As Alcaraz began to suffer from a cramp in his right upper arm, Djokovic came out of nowhere as a physical force in the closing stages. He still needed to win one more break to get over the line after Alcaraz held up a deciding break, but he did so with his fifth match point before collapsing in joy.

“From the beginning to the end we’ve both been through a lot, a lot of ups and downs, ups and downs, amazing scores, bad games, heatstroke, we’re coming back,” said Djokovic, who won despite hitting only 28 winners. Alcaraz’s 42, according to Infosys ATP Stats. “All in all, one of the hardest and most fun games I’ve ever been a part of. These are the types of sessions and matches that I continue to work on day in and day out. I never doubted that I could bring my ‘A’ game when it mattered most again [I am] I’m just happy.”

After winning his third Cincinnati title and his record-setting 39th Masters 1000 crown, Djokovic added another memorable moment to his incredible victory: The 36-year-old ripped off his shirt Hulk-style in a stunning moment of pure emotion.

“Boy, you don’t give up” 🤣@DjokerNole knows a thing or two about dealing with the ‘never-say-die’ Spaniards…@carlosalcaraz | @CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/7sYEnAJKue

– ATP Tour (@atptour) August 21, 2023

Despite the disappointment of losing his first final in Cincinnati and breaking down in tears during his speech at the trophy ceremony, Alcaraz remained philosophical after playing a key role in one of the best matches of the 2024 ATP Tour season.

“I feel proud of myself, honestly,” said the Spaniard in a press conference after the match. “Me [was] I don’t know why I was crying because I fought until the last ball. I almost beat one of the greatest players in our sport. It’s crazy to talk about it now, but I walked off the court really, really happy [with] what I did.”

Carlos Alcaraz”>

Alcaraz taking part in the 2023 Cincinnati final against Djokovic. Photo Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Djokovic’s victories over the years also had a direct impact on the Serbian player’s place in the tennis history books. With his win, he moved into third place on the list for most match wins by a player with 1,069, surpassing both Rafael Nadal and Ivan Lendl. One year ago, Djokovic will arrive in Cincinnati with 1,116 wins, trailing Jimmy Connors (1,274) and Roger Federer (1,251).

Djokovic and Alcaraz’s rivalry has never subsided in the 12 months since they met in Cincinnati. Djokovic defeated his younger rival again at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, before Alcaraz took down the Serbian in the Wimbledon final for the second consecutive year to win the 2024 edition of the big grass. Earlier this month, Djokovic won two straight sets to clinch the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal.

With Djokovic now leading Alcaraz 4-3 in the Lexus ATP Head2Head doubles series, fans in Ohio will be eagerly anticipating a potential third-tier clash of the year between the pair. While both now sit behind the No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the PIF ATP Rankings, both will hope to create unforgettable memories on the hard courts of Cincinnati.