Carlos Alcaraz came close to winning the final against Novak Djokovic at the Cincinnati Masters, but the Iberian failed to capitalize on his chances and the Serb prevailed after almost four hours of play.

Carlos Alcaraz, proud after Novak Djokovic, said that he reminds him of Rafael Nadal

The Spaniard led 7-5, 4-2, and missed a match point in the tie-break of the second set. At the end of the game, Alcaraz broke down in tears on the sidelines, and at the press conference he told what the compliments received from the Serb meant to him.

“I’m proud of myself, I don’t know why I cried. Probably because I fought until the last ball and really wanted to win.

I almost beat one of the greatest athletes of all time, no reason to be upset. It’s crazy to search for words now, but I left everything on the field, I’m happy with how I played the game.

It was very difficult to play against Novak today. Not only did he put away 5-6-7 balls that most other players wouldn’t achieve, but he also impressed me with his physicality.

He fought well and ran from one corner of the field to another. I had to endure it the whole match, I tried to stay in the match, to be as fresh as possible physically, but it was very difficult.

I am proud that he said again that when he plays against me, it feels like in matches with Nadal, it means that I am on the right path.

I’m glad to know that Nole considers this match to be one of the biggest fights of his career. He played at a high level for so long and had dream matches” – Carlos Alcarazat 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.

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Published by Tennis TV (@tennistv)