CNN
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Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alakraj 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) to avenge his Wimbledon’s final loss on Sunday and capture Western and Southern Open Open titles in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Playing in its first tournament on US soil since 2021, 36 -year -old Serb made a set down against a set and world number one to save a championship point to claim his third Cincinnati Open title and the 95th ATP tour title of his career.
After three hours and 49 minutes of competition, which was the longest sets of the longest sets on the ATP tour since 1990, Djokovic fell to the ground for several seconds before getting up and tearing his shirt.
“Surely one of the most difficult, most exciting matches I was ever part of any tournament,” a tired Djokovic said after the match. “It felt like a Grand Slam final, even more honest.
The next month may be an initial preview of the US Open Final, Djokovic said he hopes he can play in a 20 -year -old “time in a few weeks in New York, stopping in a moment before adding” to the crowd “.
Alkaraj was a 23-time prominent champion on ropes in the second set, before 4-3, a group of misscors, including four unexpected errors, gave a new life to Djokovic.
The second set would run in a tie break where Serbian saved the championship point to force the decision after winning the 25-shot rally.
In the third set, Djokovic failed to capitalize on several championship points and the pair will go to another tiebreak, with Djokovic victorious.
During the trophy ceremony, Djokovic said, “It is playing amazing playing against you, sharing the court with you, learning from you,”. “This match was really close, but I learned a lot from a champion like you.
Djokovic was playing in his first tournament on US soil since his US Open final defeat against Daniel Medvedev in 2021. Djokovic had become unworthene against Kovid -19 and was unable to enter the country for the first two years.
However, the vaccine requirements for non-American travelers were removed earlier this year, so that Djokovic was able to compete in Cincinnati.
The next US Open for both players, which begins in New York on August 28. Djokovic will see his 24th career single Grand Slam title and will see Margaret Court to capture for the most time-men and women.
