Djokovic: 'One Of The Most Exciting Matches'

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz delivered an intense showdown on Sunday during the final match of the Western & Southern Open, captivating fans worldwide. However, only one of them could claim victory in Cincinnati. Following a thrilling match that lasted nearly four hours, marked by Djokovic’s impressive rescue of a championship point, the Serbian secured his 39th ATP Masters 1000 title, extending his record.

Even the seasoned 23-time major champion Djokovic was taken aback by the instant classic.

“The match we experienced today was truly extraordinary. A roller coaster of a match,” Djokovic shared during his post-match press conference. “I can hardly recall encountering many matches of this nature in my career. Perhaps I can liken it to the 2012 Australian Open against Nadal that went the distance. Although today comprised three sets, the battle raged on for almost four hours. This ranks among the most exhilarating and mentally demanding matches of my entire career.”

Djokovic and Alcaraz fought for three hours and 49 minutes before Djokovic avenged his recent Wimbledon final defeat to the Spaniard, equalizing their head-to-head record at 2-2.

Across their four encounters, Djokovic and the World No. 1 have produced captivating matches that transcend tennis enthusiasts, appealing to sports fans across the board. Despite being in the early stages of their budding rivalry, Djokovic anticipates numerous future clashes with the 20-year-old sensation.

“It’s impossible not to applaud someone like him, who exhibits such maturity and handles pressure with such grace, especially for a 20-year-old,” Djokovic praised. “We mustn’t overlook his youth. This is something incredibly remarkable about him. The feelings I experience on the court somewhat resemble those when I faced Nadal during the prime of our careers. Each point becomes a struggle, a fierce battle.”

“The privilege of sharing such an experience with him on the court is astonishing,” Djokovic continued. “The excitement only intensifies for the fans. As for us, I can’t say whether we revel in it as much. Undoubtedly, it’s a challenge we both must embrace and confront, as it’s what’s demanded of us to secure significant titles.”

Claiming his 95th tour-level title, the 36-year-old Djokovic became the oldest Cincinnati champion in the Open Era. A pivotal juncture arrived when Djokovic rebounded after losing his serve while serving for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set. The World No. 2 maintained his focus, ultimately concluding the longest best-of-three final in ATP Tour history (since 1990) in a third-set tie-break.

“There’s no denying I was tense,” Djokovic admitted. “When you’re up against one of the finest players globally, in one of the most esteemed tournaments worldwide, you can’t always feel entirely liberated to execute as you please, can you?”

“Such moments inevitably arise, where your concentration wavers, your energy dwindles—whatever it may be,” Djokovic reflected. “Your task is to navigate your way out of those situations. In sum, an extraordinary match encompassing exhilarating highs and challenging lows.”

Securing his fourth title of the season, Djokovic’s record for the year stands at 38 wins and 5 losses. His victories include triumphs in Adelaide 1, the Australian Open, and Roland Garros. As the US Open approaches, Djokovic sits just 20 points behind Alcaraz in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.