Novak Djokovic avenged his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz by beating the Spaniard in just under four hours to win the Cincinnati Open.

In a match that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of tennis history, Novak Djokovic emerged as the victor over the tenacious Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Open final. The intense contest showcased the incredible mental and physical prowess of both players as they battled for supremacy over three grueling sets, with Djokovic ultimately prevailing with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.

From the very first serve, it was clear that the crowd was in for a treat. Alcaraz, showing no signs of intimidation against the legendary Djokovic, showcased his signature powerful forehand and swift court coverage. The young Spaniard's fearless approach paid dividends as he managed to break Djokovic's serve in the opening set, taking it 7-5. The energy in the stadium was palpable as spectators watched Alcaraz's aggressive style clash with Djokovic's defensive prowess.

Djokovic, however, demonstrated why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. The second set saw a tremendous battle of wills, with both players refusing to give an inch. Djokovic's unrivaled return skills and relentless baseline consistency were on full display, while Alcaraz's raw power and passion kept him in the fight. As the set progressed to a tiebreaker, Djokovic's experience and nerves of steel allowed him to edge out Alcaraz, securing the set.

The third set was a roller-coaster of emotions, as both players exchanged powerful shots and mind-bending rallies. Alcaraz, showcasing a level of maturity beyond his years, continued to challenge Djokovic's defense with his aggressive play. Djokovic, on the other hand, relied on his unparalleled shot placement and tactical brilliance to stay in the contest. With neither player giving an inch, the set once again headed to a tiebreaker.

The tiebreaker was a microcosm of the entire match – a display of grit, determination, and skill. Both players unleashed their full arsenal of shots, leaving the crowd in awe. Djokovic, drawing on his vast experience in high-pressure situations, managed to edge out Alcaraz once more, clinching the third set and the match with a scoreline of 7-6.

As the final point was played, the crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation, acknowledging the exceptional performance from both Djokovic and Alcaraz. The match not only showcased Djokovic's enduring greatness but also highlighted Alcaraz's incredible potential which tennis fans are coming more accustomed to after every tournament.

The feeling that I have on the court reminds me a little bit of when I was facing Nadal when we were at our prime," Djokovic said. "I don't think I've played too many matches like this in my life." Djokovic compared the draining win to his Australian Open final victory in 2012, when he defeated Nadal in five hours and 53 minutes. "Each point is a hustle. Each point is a battle. You've got to basically earn every single point, every single shot, regardless of the conditions. It's amazing to be able to experience that with him on the court," Djokovic added.

Both players now head to New York for the US Open where Alcaraz will attempt to defend a Grand Slam for the first time, while Djokovic, bidding for a 24th Grand Slam win, returns after missing last year's tournament because of his Covid vaccination status.

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(182) Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic | Cincinnati 2023 Final Highlights - YouTube