AFP
Novak Djokovic overcame a match level and stifling warmth to beat world primary Carlos Alcaraz 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) and win the Cincinnati Open in a heart-pounding thriller on Sunday.
Djokovic collapsed on his again earlier than tearing his shirt off after triumphing within the practically four-hour contest to win his third title in Cincinnati and get revenge after his loss to the Spaniard in final month’s Wimbledon remaining.
The Serb regarded hobbled by the extreme humidity within the tail finish of the primary set, barely shifting when Alcaraz hit a backhand winner to seize the opener.
Alcaraz, who regarded contemporary regardless of being on the court docket for greater than 10 hours this week, grabbed a 4-2 second-set lead and it appeared he may cruise to the end line.
But Alcaraz would produce a horrible service sport whereas main 4-3 that included 4 unforced errors to provide life to the world quantity two.
In the second-set tiebreak, Djokovic saved a championship level and went on to drive a deciding set after successful a 25-shot rally.
During the break earlier than the third set, a annoyed Alcaraz pounded his hand in opposition to the plastic drinks container subsequent to his chair, requiring a medical time-out to tape his finger.
In the decider, Djokovic broke on his fifth alternative of the sport for a 4-3 lead.
The drama would proceed as Djokovic squandered two match factors whereas returning whereas main 5-3.
Alcaraz would save two extra match factors and break serve when Djokovic missed an overhead for 5-5.
The gamers in the end arrived at one other tiebreak, which Djokovic received when the 20-year-old’s forehand return went vast.
The win was Djokovic’s ninety fifth profession title and thirty ninth Masters 1000 crown.
