Once again the world No. 1 and world No. 2 are set to face each other in the blockbuster Cincinnati Open final and tennis fans can’t be happier.
This will be their third meeting after Roland Garros semifinal and Wimbledon final as the equally split the past two winnings between them. Many saw the Alcaraz’s win over Djokovic at SW19 as change of guard but Nolefam would strongly contest the claims as their man is once again into the finals of a Masters 1000 without dropping a set. So, all we can do now is to brace ourselves for another nerve-wrecking clash.
Djokovic may close in on the ATP #1 rank by taking the title but cannot seize the top spot this week, which means that the 20-year old will be the top seed at the third consecutive major this season (would have been four if he didn’t withdraw from AO because of injury).
The 23-time Grand Slam winner who beat Alexander Zverev to reach the final knows that this was the final everyone was awaiting.
“It’s great. It’s amazing for the sport, No. 1 and No. 2 in the world facing each other again in the final of a big event,” Djokovic said after besting Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
“This is I guess what everybody wanted and expected in the beginning of the tournament, so here we are.”
Alcaraz clearly has the deficit when it comes to the amount of time spent on court with a total of 10 hours and 40 minutes on the Cincinnati Center court. On the other hand, the Serbian breezed through his matches, registering just under five hours as he was also helped by a walkover win against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opening campaign. However, the on-court efficiency doesn’t come down to just lucky pull outs as the 36 year old made a quick work of Gael Monfils and also blew past local favorite Taylor Fritz before displaying some tidy play against Zverev in semis.
Alcaraz may have taken some toll in four consecutive three-set battles but he insists on revering well and feeling ready to overcome the final hurdle for his maiden Cincinnati Masters. The 2-time Grand Slam champion claimed that he feels as though he is getting ready to play his first match of the tourney.
“I feel good. Probably the people can think that I’m going to be tired in the final, but I feel good.
“It doesn’t matter if I play in third sets, long matches. I’m recovering really, really well with my physio, with my team. I feel like I’m going to play the first match of the tournament. I feel great,” said a very confident and always smiling Alcaraz.
Djokovic, 36 is chasing a record extending 39th Masters 1000 title and the young Spaniard has only participated in his 18th Masters event on the ATP tour.