Novak Djokovic is all praise for Carlos Alcaraz following his mind-blogging victory against the phenomenal Spaniard in the Cincinnati Open.
After surviving the heavy hitting of the unyielding 20-year old in what is deemed by many as one of the greatest three-set final, Djokovic came through as a 3rd time winner at Cincinnati Open. While both players have to save match points in the battling 3-set clash, the Serbian in her victory speech admitted that this may have been the toughest test of his glorious career yet.
Djokovic’s 5-7, 7(9)-6, 7-6(4) win brought his 39th ATP Masters 1000 title but the victory became more significant after his Wimbledon final loss where so much was at stake. However, the 36-year played his heart out against the Spaniard in their Wimbledon match after pushed so hard by the latter.
Hit by both heat-stroke and world No. 1, he spoke to Amazon prime like an exhausted victor struggling to find words:
“Crazy, honestly, I don’t know what else I can say,” he said.
“Definitely one of the toughest matches I ever played in my life regardless of what category of tournament against any player.
“It was unbelievable from beginning to end. We have both been through so many ups and downs, highs and lows.
“Heat stroke, coming back, overall it was one of the toughest and most exciting matches I was ever a part of.
“These are the kind of matches I continue to work for day in and day out. I never doubted that I could deliver the A game when it mattered most and I am thrilled.
“There is not much to say. Everyone who sees it can see this rivalry just gets better. Amazing player, tons of respect for him. For such a young player to show so much poise in crucial moments is impressive.”
Djokovic’s on-court interview voiced similar sentiments, but he had some light-hearted moments with his 20-year.
“So much to say, but so little energy, to be honest,” he added.
“We have run out of words of praise for what you are doing on the court. What you have done in the last two or three years is unbelievable.
“Boy, you never give up! I love that about you, but sometimes it would be nice if you played a few bad points!
“This was one of the greatest matches I ever played. It felt like a Grand Slam final and I’m hoping we can play again in New York in a few weeks. That would be nice for the crowd, maybe not for me!”
An emotional Alcaraz reciprocated Djokovic’s sentiments as he wiped away some tears to take the mic.
“This is going to be tough for me to talk, but I try to do my best,” said the Murcia-native.
“First of all, congrats to Novak once again. It’s amazing to share a court with you and learn from you. I learn a lot from a champion like you so congratulations to you and your team.”
The Wimbledon titlist then got emotional as he thanked his team and his brother who was also in his box to cheer for him in the classiest final.
“I want to say thank you to my team, not only in the professional part but I also learn from you every day.
“My brother is here as well and it’s great to have you here supporting me every day and making me a better person every day, so thank you very much for being with me.”
Despite being at the losing end, a clearly devastated Alcaraz didn’t fail to utter a classy speech for the audiences. He is billed by many as a Big Three heir, but for now, we can all just sit and relish the nerve-wrecking he is serving up for the tennis fans.
After being humbled by the World No. 1 at SW19 last month, the 23-time Grand Slam winner may have avenged his loss but he knows he now has a rival who will continue to follow and push him for the remainder of his illustrious career.