It certain looks like the boys’s tennis season will conclude on the U.S. Open in the one method doable.
One other showdown between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
The 2 appear locked on a collision course following Sunday’s thrilling Closing within the Cincinnati Open. The 2 battled over almost 4 hours in stifling warmth and humidity, with Djokovic outlasting Alcaraz 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) to take the title.
With the match lasting 3 hours and 48 minutes, it now stands because the longest three-set match in ATP historical past, relationship again to 1990.
Within the early going, it seemed as if Alcaraz was going to cruise to the title. He took the primary set and was up 4-2 within the second, however Djokovic broke Alcaraz to tie the set at 4-4. The second set finally ended up in a tiebreak, with Djokovic staving off Championship Level, after which taking the tiebreak on a 25-shot rally:
Alcaraz was visibly annoyed throughout the break, slamming his hand towards the drink stand, which required a tape job to his hand earlier than the third set started.
Within the third set, the 2 battled one another, and the overwhelming warmth and humidity. With temperatures lingering round 90 levels, Djokovic and Alcaraz traded blows, making for probably the greatest units you’ll ever see.
Right here is only a sampling of the motion:
The 2 discovered themselves in yet one more tiebreak, one which Djokovic finally received.
After the ultimate level, Djokovic collapsed on the court docket earlier than ripping his shirt in celebration:
After the match, each gamers have been stuffed with reward for the opposite.
“The sensation that I’ve on the court docket jogs my memory a bit of bit after I was going through [Rafael] Nadal after we have been at our prime,” said Djokovic. “Every level is a hustle. Every level is a battle. You’ve obtained to mainly earn each single level, each single shot, whatever the circumstances.”
“I don’t suppose I’ve performed too many matches like this in my life,” Djokovic told the media. “You simply need to put your hats right down to a man like that. He performs so maturely, handles the strain so effectively for a 20-year-old. We can’t neglect how younger he’s. That’s one thing that’s so spectacular about him.”
“It’s nice to listen to these issues from Novak, [who] has performed iconic matches, storied matches,” mentioned Alcaraz. “Meaning the workforce and myself, we’re doing nice work, we’re on a superb path.”
The 2 have confronted off twice now, with every taking a pair of victories. Djokovic got here out on prime on the French Open when Alcaraz was coping with cramping. Alcaraz’s two victories got here within the Closing at Wimbledon, in addition to the semis on the ATP Masters in Spain.
Might the rubber match come on the U.S. Open? Djokovic appears to suppose so, as he mentioned to Alcaraz following their thriller in Cincinnati.
“I’ve a lot to say, however I’m undecided that I’ve the power,” Djokovic mentioned throughout the trophy ceremony on Sunday.
“You by no means quit, do you?” he added to Alcaraz. “I like that about you. I hope we meet in New York. That may be enjoyable — effectively, for the followers, not for me.”
It definitely could be enjoyable for us watching.
