Novak Djokovic won his third Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, defeating Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match with tie-breakers deciding the final two sets.
The world’s two best players competed in a rematch of last month’s Wimbledon final, but this time Djokovic emerged victorious 5-7, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-4).
Djokovic, 36, said on the court that the match, which lasted nearly four hours, was one of the most difficult matches he had played.
“Crazy,” he said. Honestly, I don’t know what else to say.
“It’s hard to describe, (it’s) definitely one of the toughest matches I’ve ever played in my life, regardless of tournament, category, level and players.
“From start to finish we went through a lot, a lot of ups and downs, highs and lows, unbelievable points, bad games, swipes, comebacks.”
Djokovic ripped his shirt in celebration of winning his 95th career singles title
Alcaraz, 20, broke back to win the tense first set, with one backhand kick in the seventh game winning his opponent’s applause.
But Djokovic refused to go, despite trailing 4-2 in the second set and defending his championship point.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion came back to take the set in a thrilling tiebreaker.
The final set ended as Alcaraz came back from 5-3 down, saving several championship points to force a tiebreaker.
But the relentless Djokovic dominated the tiebreaker and earned his fifth championship point in the match.
Djokovic ripped his shirt in celebration of winning his 95th career singles title
He fell to the floor after the final point and tore his shirt while celebrating his 39th Masters title win.
The tournament is a prelude to the US Open, which kicks off on August 28, as Djokovic seeks his 24th Grand Slam title.
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