Greatest final in ATP Masters 1000 history? Reflecting on Djokovic vs. Alcaraz Cincy epic

No one will forget the 2023 Cincinnati Open championship match in a hurry.

A humdinger played out between the world’s two best players in stifling Ohio heat, the three-hour, 49-minute clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz was one of the greatest matches in ATP Masters 1000 history. Physical and mental resilience from both players, consistent shotmaking of the highest quality, and Djokovic battling back from championship point down to clinch the trophy were among the features that ensured the encounter instantly achieved classic status.

“Crazy. Honestly, I don't know what else I can say,” reflected Djokovic after his 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) victory at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. “Tough to describe. Definitely one of the toughest matches I've ever played in my life, regardless of what tournament, what category, what level, what player. It's unbelievable.”

Such a dramatic final had appeared unlikely when the then-No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Alcaraz led No. 2 Djokovic, who was visibly struggling in the heat, by a set and a break at 7-5, 4-3. Even after Djokovic had reclaimed the break, he was still forced to fend off a championship point at 5/6 in the second-set tie-break, which he did with a big serve-forehand combo.

With Alcaraz beginning to suffer with cramp in his right hand in the decider, Djokovic emerged from nowhere as the physically stronger in the closing stages. He still needed to win another tie-break to get over the line after Alcaraz rallied admirably from a break down in the decider, but he did so with his fifth championship point before falling to the ground in ecstasy.

“From the beginning until the end we've both been through so much, so many ups and downs, highs and lows, incredible points, poor games, heat strokes, coming back,” said Djokovic, who triumphed despite hitting just 28 winners to Alcaraz's 42, according to Infosys ATP Stats. “Just overall, one of the toughest and most exciting matches I was ever part of. These are the kinds of moments and matches that I continue to work for day in day out. I was never in doubt that I can deliver the 'A' game when it mattered the most and [I am] just thrilled.”

After clinching his third Cincinnati title and his record-extending 39th Masters 1000 crown overall, Djokovic added another memorable moment to his dramatic victory: The 36-year-old ripped off his shirt Hulk-style in an iconic moment of pure emotion.

"Boy, you never give up" ?@DjokerNole knows a thing or two about facing 'never-say-die' Spaniards...@carlosalcaraz | @CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/7sYEnAJKue

Despite disappointment at defeat in his maiden Cincinnati final and shedding tears during his speech at the trophy ceremony, Alcaraz remained philosophical after playing a significant role in one of the best matches of the 2024 ATP Tour season.

“I feel proud of myself, honestly,” said the Spaniard in his post-match press conference. “I [was] talking and I don't know why I was crying because I fought until the last ball. I almost beat one of the greatest of all time from our sport. It's crazy to talk about it right now, but I left the court really, really happy [with] what I did.”

Alcaraz in action during the 2023 Cincinnati final against Djokovic. Photo Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Djokovic’s triumph for the ages also had a direct impact on the Serbian’s place in the tennis history books. With his win, he moved into outright third on the list of most career match wins with 1,069, passing both Rafael Nadal and Ivan Lendl. One year on, Djokovic will arrive in Cincinnati on 1,116 wins, trailing only Jimmy Connors (1,274) and Roger Federer (1,251).

Djokovic and Alcaraz’s rivalry has hardly slowed down in the 12 months since their memorable meeting in Cincinnati. Djokovic defeated his young rival again at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, before Alcaraz downed the Serbian in the Wimbledon final for the second straight year to clinch the 2024 edition of the grass major. Earlier this month, Djokovic prevailed in two high-level tie-break sets to finally capture an Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024.

With Djokovic now leading Alcaraz 4-3 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, fans in Ohio will eagerly anticipate a potential third tour-level clash of the year between the two. While they both now sit behind No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the PIF ATP Rankings, both will be hopeful of carving out more unforgettable memories on the hard courts of Cincinnati.

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