Novak Djokovic Defeats Carlos Alcaras for Cincinnati Open Title Win

VIVA – Novak Djokovic defeated his rival Carlos Alcaras and won the 2023 ATP Cincinnati Open on Sunday, local time.

The 36-year-old rallied from a set and a break down against the world number one and saved a championship point at 5/6 in the second set tie-break to clinch a record-extending ATP Masters 1000 title.

Despite missing out on a chance to clinch the title at 5-4 in the third set, he bounced back to clinch the victory after a thrilling three-hour 49-minute match in which both players showed tremendous hitting and mental strength. It was the longest best-of-three final in ATP Tour history (since 1990).

"Crazy. Honestly, I don't know what else I can say. It's hard to explain. Definitely one of the toughest matches I've ever played in my life, regardless of what tournament, what category, what level, what player. This is incredible," Djokovic said in an on-court interview, as quoted from the ATP Tour page, on Monday.

"From start to finish we have both been through so many things, so many ups and downs, ups and downs, amazing points, bad games, hot attacks, back," he added.

He said this was the toughest and most exciting match he has ever participated in.

"Overall, one of the toughest and most exciting matches I've been involved in and these are the kind of moments and matches that I keep working on day in and day out. I never doubted that I could bring my 'A' game when it mattered most and (I'm) very happy," he explained.

The duel was the latest chapter in a fierce rivalry between Alcaraz and the Serbian star. He is taking revenge after being defeated by the young Spaniard in the Wimbledon final in a five-set battle a few months ago.

The two, who have taken turns to be ranked number one in the world this year, are currently level on points with two wins each in their direct encounters.