Novak Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in Cincinnati in an epic finalwhich lasted 3 hours and 49 minutes (the longest in the history of the ATP Masters 1000), conquering the Western & Southern Open 2023. The impression is that the Serb will never forget the match that gave him the 95th title of his career, the 39th of this category of events.After taking the lead in the first set, Djokovic had to deal with an impressive heat wave and began to struggle physically.
Then he offered Alcaraz a match point in the tie-break of the second half of the game and something ignited his soul. Not even the four wasted match points before the final sprint stopped him; not even a phenomenon born under the taurus sign.
Novak Djokovic rips off his shirt like Hulk Hogan and celebrates victory
In the press conference after the match, Nole analyzed the match, saying: “We put together a crazy match.
I don’t think I’ve played many matches like this in my life. Maybe I can compare it to the final with Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in 2012. Obviously we’re talking about a best of three sets match in this case , but it lasted almost four hours.
It was one of the toughest games mentally, emotionally and physically I’ve ever played in my career. I started better, but then I struggled physically on the court. Alcaraz was up by a set and a break, but he had a bad serve game and I thought I had a chance.
I fought and believed I could do it. In the third set I had many chances; Carlos was incredible on the second match point.Alcaraz no longer surprises me now. The way he has won some big games is impressive. You just have to tip your hat to a guy like that, who plays so maturely and handles pressure so well.
We cannot forget his age. The sensations I feel on the pitch against him remind me of those with Rafael Nadal. Every point is a battle. You have to conquer every single point, regardless of the conditions. The match point he disallowed at 5- 3 was just fantastic.
I had him running to all the corners, hit a solid drop shot, and in no time he was back on the ball finding a great passer. All the matches we played against each other lasted a long time. It’s definitely a challenge we both have to accept, because that’s what is required of us to win big titles.”One moment in particular highlighted Djokovic’s grit and determination.
After the victory and the handshake with his rival, the Serb released all his joy and grit by tearing his shirt like the famous wrestler Hulk Hogan. Here are the pictures:
1ï¸ âƒ£ðŸ’‰ championship point saved
⠰💉 3hrs 48mins
3ï¸ âƒ£9ï¸ âƒ£th💉 Masters 1000 title 🠆The longest match in tournament history, @DjokerNole prevails 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) in a classic we’ll never forget!
@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/DZrVn0IfAW — ATP Tour (@atptour) August 21, 2023