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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in 'crazy' drama in Cincinnati Open final

The World No.1 and 2 treated fans to an all-time epic in the final.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·5-min read
Novak Djokovic collapses to the ground and Carloz Alcaraz in tears as he speaks.
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) defeated World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz (pictured right) in an all-time classic match that lasted just under four hours in the Cincinnati Open final, which brought the Spaniard to tears. (Images: @TennisTV)

The tennis world has erupted after Novak Djokovic defeated World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz in an all-time classic match to take out the Cincinnati Open final in astonishing fashion. Fans around the world got what they wanted when World No.1 Alcaraz faced off against 23-time grand slam champion Djokovic.

Alcaraz didn't let the occasion get to him as he roared out of the gates to take the first set after some breathtaking tennis. At one stage, Djokovic stood and applauded Alcaraz's level of play after he hit a thunderous backhand down the line on the run.

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Djokovic appeared to be struggling with the heat and was a break down in the second set. But as all champions do, Djokovic responded.

The 36-year-old pushed Alcaraz back in the court and forced him to come up with the winners. And the champion levelled the match to take it to a decider.

And in the third set, conditions changed with Alcaraz's level dropping with fatigue appearing to set in. The 21-year-old Spaniard has spent more than five hours on court throughout the tournament and appeared to be fading.

Djokovic seized his opportunity after a long service game and broke Alcaraz midway through the set. This allowed Djokovic to serve for the match. Djokovic appeared hesitant in the service game and hit two shots long.

Novak Djokovic reacts.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) collapsed to the floor after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Western & Southern Open final. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The unflappable Djokovic then showed nerves when he served a double fault to hand Alcaraz a break point chance. And again, Djokovic upped his game and forced Alcaraz to hit the winner. Alcaraz appeared hesitant and hit a couple of loose backhands to hand Djokovic championship point.

And the Serbian once again hit a double fault. Djokovic earned four championship points in the service game, but couldn't convert. And after a 14 minute game, Alcaraz broke to level the third set.

The all-time classic match went to a third set tiebreak, which Djokovic seized the momentum with his poise. The match ended after three hours and 50 minutes at 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.

Tennis world praise Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic

Fans were in awe over the level of tennis and praised both players for the masterclass. Djokovic collapsed to the ground after the victory with both men exhausted in their chair waiting for the trophy presentation.

Djokovic earned his 39th Masters 1000 event title after the win. It also marked his 95th singles title, which puts him in third on the all-time leader board. Djokovic also becomes the oldest Cincinnati champion ever at 36 years old.

The mental toll on both players was evident during the speeches with Alcaraz breaking down as he thanked his brother for his support throughout the tournament. "I have my brother here as well. It's great to have you here supporting me every day," he said post-match.

"To make me be a better person, learning from you as well. Thank you for being with me."

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