Playing Carlos Alcaraz reminds me of Rafael Nadal, says Novak Djokovic, after winning Cincinnati Masters title

CINCINNATI – Novak Djokovic said his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz was becoming like the one he shared with the Spaniard’s compatriot, Rafael Nadal, after needing nearly four hours to outlast the young world No. 1 in an epic Cincinnati Open final on Sunday.

In a thrilling rematch of their Wimbledon showdown, the 36-year-old saved a match point before avenging his defeat with a 5-7, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-4) triumph in three hours and 49 minutes – the longest best-of-three sets final in ATP Tour history.

The seasoned Serb compared it with the 2012 Australian Open final, when he defeated Nadal in five hours and 53 minutes. The pair shared a storied rivalry over the last 15 years and faced each other 59 times. Djokovic leads 30-29.

“I don’t think I’ve played too many matches like this in my life,” said Djokovic. “Maybe I can compare it to the final against Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open.

“Three sets today, but almost four hours. You just have to put your hats down to a guy like that. He plays so maturely, handles the pressure so well for a 20-year-old.

“We cannot forget how young he is. That’s something that is so impressive about him.”

Sunday’s meeting was the fourth one between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with each player now having won two matches. Djokovic beat Alcaraz in the French Open semi-finals, the younger man earned his revenge in a memorable five-set Wimbledon final.

“The feeling that I have on the court reminds me a little bit when I was facing Nadal, when we were at our prime,” added Djokovic, who moved ahead of his great rival in the all-time men’s Grand Slam list after winning his 23rd crown at Roland Garros.

“Each point is a hustle. Each point is a battle. You’ve got to 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.”

He said: “It’s crazy, I don’t know what I can say. It’s tough to describe. It was the toughest I’ve ever played in my life.

“From start to finish we both went through highs, lows, incredible points, bad games, heatstroke, comebacks. Overall, this was the toughest and most exciting match I’ve ever been a part of.”

Alcaraz revelled in the praise. “It’s great to hear those things from Novak, (who) has played iconic matches, storied matches,” he said. “That means the team and myself, we are doing great work, we are on a good path.”

Djokovic, who earned a record-extending 39th victory at the elite Masters 1000 level, secured the first break of the opening set, sending Alcaraz sprawling as he broke to love for a 4-2 lead.

A few minutes later, however, Alcaraz returned the favour. He then broke for a 6-5 lead and held to take the set before Djokovic left the court for a seven-minute change of clothes.

Djokovic, clearly affected by the hot, muggy conditions, was seen by the trainer and doctor in the second set. He was broken to trail 2-1, Alcaraz going on to take a 4-2 lead with a drop shot that Djokovic could not touch.

But the veteran drew cheers as he broke Alcaraz to climb back in, levelling the set at 4-4 on the way to a tiebreak.

Alcaraz had a chance to put it away, but Djokovic saved a match point at 5-6 in the tiebreak. They went to a third set when Alcaraz dumped a shot into the net on Djokovic’s second set point.

In the decider, Djokovic broke on his fifth opportunity of the game for a 4-3 lead. He then squandered two match points while returning while leading 5-3.

Alcaraz would save two more match points and break serve when Djokovic missed an overhead for 5-5. The latter eventually prevailed though in the tiebreak.

The win was Djokovic’s 95th career title, trailing only American Jimmy Connors (109) and Swiss star Roger Federer (103).

Up next for both players is the US Open, where Alcaraz will defend his title when the tournament starts on Aug 28. REUTERS, AFP