Novak Djokovic won his third ATP tournament in Cincinnati and the Serb revealed how difficult it was to beat Carlos Alcaraz. The score was 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4), after a fight of three hours and 49 minutes.

>> Photo the day after the ATP Finals in Cincinnati between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic bows to Carlos Alcaraz: ‘Jesus, you never give up’

Nole began his speech by praising Carlos for his qualities and incredible fighting spirit, before the Iberian interjected and made the Serb mention Rafael Nadal.

“Honestly, there is so much to say, so little energy. I would like to return my kind thoughts to Carlos and his team. We are all speechless at what you do.

You are an incredible person and a champion! Many players fail to reach these heights during their careers. What you have managed to do in the last 2 years is incredible.

Boy you never give up! Jesus! I like that about you. But sometimes I wish you’d play a few more points like that… (no Alcaraz telling him that “Spanish people never die”). I’ve heard that before. Or I’ve felt it before” – Novak Djokovicat the award ceremony.

*The moment Alcaraz answers Djokovic can be seen at 04:40.

The match with Alcaraz reminded Djokovic of the final with Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open

In a press conference, Nole said the match against Alcaraz was as tight as the 2012 Australian Open final, when the Serb won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, (5)6-7, 7-5 after 5 . hours and 53 minutes of play.

“Crazy. sincerely! I really don’t know what else to say. It’s hard to describe. It was definitely one of the hardest matches I’ve played in my life, regardless of tournament, category, level or opponent. It is incredibly!

From start to finish we both went through a lot. Ups and downs. Incredible points. A weaker game. Sunstroke. Fantastic comebacks… All in all one of the most challenging and exciting matches I’ve ever played.

These are moments and matches that I continue to work on day in and day out. I never doubted that I would be able to give my best performance when it mattered most. I’m just delighted.

It was a crazy match, a real roller coaster. I don’t think I’ve played many matches like this in my life. Maybe only the 2012 Australian Open final against Nadal. It was so powerful.

Back then it was 3 out of 5 sets, but even now I was playing almost 4 hours at an incredible level. It was one of the hardest matches in my career, both physically and mentally.

I can only take my hat off to Alcaraz for playing so maturely at 20 years old and handling the pressure so well. Let’s not forget how young he is, he is so impressive with everything he does on the field.

When I meet him, I remember the duels with Nadal from the beginning of our career, you have to fight for every point, every point is a big battle, a mountain to overcome. It’s great to be with him on the field, and the fans are probably happy to witness such matches” – Novak Djokovicat the press conference.

Novak Djokovic – Carlos Alcaraz, 2-2 in straight matches

2023, Cincinnati (final): 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) for Djokovic

2023, Wimbledon (final): 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 for Alcaraz

2023, Roland Garros (semifinals): 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 for Djokovic

2022, Madrid (semi-final): (5)6-7, 7-5, 7-6(5) for Alcaraz.