Djokovic rescues match point against Alcaraz, pushes for a
decider in the Cincinnati final
Novak Djokovic displayed incredible resilience, fending off a championship point to compel a decisive set against Carlos Alcaraz in the Western & Southern Open final.
Initially, the World No. 1, Alcaraz, appeared firmly in control, holding a set and a break lead and standing just two holds away from clinching his third ATP Masters 1000 title of the season. Struggling with the scorching Cincinnati heat, Djokovic struggled to find an answer to shift the momentum.
However, a lapse in Alcaraz's service game presented an opportunity, which Djokovic seized with gusto. The 38-time Masters 1000 champion swiftly shifted into high gear, saving a championship point at 6/7 in the tie-break with a powerful forehand. This resurgence led to a leveling of the match at 5-7, 7-6(7).
This marked their third encounter in a little over two months (with Alcaraz holding a 2-1 lead overall). Djokovic's victory in the Roland Garros semi-finals was countered by Alcaraz's triumph in an unforgettable five-set Wimbledon final, where Djokovic's opponent grappled with nerve-induced cramps.
Now, Djokovic is striving to retaliate, with both players having thwarted match points in the tournament. Alcaraz's survival against Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-finals showcased his determination.
Following Djokovic's second-set triumph, the 36-year-old exhibited renewed vigor, drawing energy from the crowd. A rare display of frustration from his younger adversary, hitting the armrest of his bench, prompted the intervention of an ATP physiotherapist.
Leading up to the final, Alcaraz navigated four matches that necessitated a deciding set, while Djokovic maintained a set advantage throughout. However, Djokovic struggled with the heat by the end of the opening set, as Alcaraz found his rhythm. Djokovic, who had played all his prior matches in the evening, struggled to find his rhythm and committed unforced errors, preventing him from taking the initiative in rallies.
The opening set unfolded tensely, spanning 62 minutes, as both competitors gradually found their footing. Despite trailing 2-4, Alcaraz mounted a comeback to seize the lead.
On a sweltering day, both players utilized ice towels to combat the heat during changeovers. The initial eight games predominantly featured baseline rallies, with players seeking their rhythm from the backcourt. Neither player operated at their peak.
Alcaraz diversified the trajectory of his shots over the net, yet squandered early opportunities due to errors on his formidable forehand side. As the set progressed, he honed his backhand accuracy, while Djokovic struck a neutral backhand that barely cleared the net. After reclaiming parity, Alcaraz secured the crucial break by pressuring Djokovic's forehand.
A turning point emerged when Alcaraz committed a string of unforced errors while serving at 4-3 in the second set. Djokovic capitalized by advancing to the net, showcasing adept net skills. This proved pivotal during the second-set tie-break, as Djokovic executed a serving-volley play under pressure, executing two exquisite backhand volleys to extricate himself from a tight spot.
On Alcaraz's championship point, the 20-year-old faced difficulty seizing control, as Djokovic delivered a potent serve and followed up with a crushing forehand. Djokovic, a 23-time major champion, boasts a 23-5 tie-break record this season.
Did You Know?
This final marks the first encounter between the top two players in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings at the Western & Southern Open since 2012.
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