In the high-stakes drama of the Cincinnati Open men’s final, Carlos Alcaraz seemed utterly frustrated in his struggles against Novak Djokovic. Amidst the charged atmosphere of their clash, an unexpected incident occurred, reflecting his internal state in the heat of the battle. It added a layer of drama to the already riveting clash.
In the dramatic culmination of the second set, which was won by Djokovic after a rollercoaster ride, Alcaraz who was leading 4-2 with a break of serve, appeared poised to win the set and clinch a famous victory. However, the seasoned Djokovic proved his mettle, resisting defeat with his wealth of experience and aided by Alcaraz’s poor service game.
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 20, 2023
The climax of this enthralling drama was yet to unfold. After the emotional turmoil of losing the second set, the weight of the moment seemed to take a toll on Alcaraz. In a surge of frustration, he directed his ire at the plastic box next to his chair with his right hand, slapping it repeatedly. Alcaraz injured his hand in the process, prompting him to summon the physio for immediate attention.
Carlos Alcaraz *slamming* his hand against a plastic box next to him after losing the second set, giving himself a cut, which led to a visit from the physio.
Not the smartest idea… pic.twitter.com/Oo3jzmxYv8
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 20, 2023
His finger required immediate taping, adding to the unforeseen drama in the match. One tennis fan pointed it as a “self-inflicted wound for the past hour,” metaphorically suggesting that he was himself to blame for the outcome of the second set. Others said it was a humane response.
Self inflicted wounds for the past hour
— OfficialDrChrisX (@drchrisisfree) August 20, 2023
He’s human. It’s understandable that he’s upset considering he had match point and lost the set.
— Sophia (@SophiaShahid4) August 20, 2023
The match, laden with unpredictable twists and turns, now carried an additional layer of Alcaraz’s personal battle against adversity. This unexpected incident showed the fiery and emotional side of Alcaraz borne out of intense competition. As the encounter pressed on, it left an indelible mark on the memory of those who witnessed the clash of these two titanic players.
Novak Djokovic’s grand win at Cincinnati Open
In the scorching heat of Cincinnati battleground, the stage was set for a monumental clash as the living legend, Novak Djokovic confronted the rising star, Carlos Alcaraz, each armed with their distinct weaponry of skill-sets, grit, resilience, and experience.
The opening set unfolded with Alcaraz’s fearless shots pitted against Djokovic’s strategic brilliance. Alcaraz secured the first set 7-5, seizing an early lead that promised a gripping contest. The second set brought forth a dramatic twist, with Alcaraz leading 4-2 and holding a championship point. Yet, Djokovic forced a tense tie-break and clinched it 9-7 to take the match into a decider.
The final set exemplified sheer resilience and determination from both sides. Djokovic surged ahead, yet Alcaraz took the match to a tie-break from being 3-5 down and saving 5 championship points. In the gripping tie-break, Djokovic demonstrated his mastery under pressure, sealing a remarkable 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) victory in 3 hours and 49 minutes, the longest best of 3 sets final in the history of ATP.
To bring his emotions to the fore, he celebrated his victory in a unique style by tearing his t-shirt as if to make a statement of the sheer intensity he had gone through to win the match. With the win, Djokovic claimed his record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 title and etched his name further in the history books of tennis.
The Man.
The Myth.
The Legend.
The 🐐
Bravooooooooo Novak Djokovic 👏👏🥳🎉#CincinnatiOpen #Cincinnati #CinciTennis #Djokovic #NoleFam #Idemooo #GOAT𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2ozBTFjpT3
— JAKE 🇦🇺 (@IncrediblyBozza) August 21, 2023
Alcaraz’s valiant performance left no doubt about his growing status as the heir apparent to the Big 3. With their riveting rivalry tied at 2-2, tennis fans are eagerly anticipating their next clash, which could hopefully be just around the corner at the US Open finals!