Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked player, will have an opportunity to defend his recent Wimbledon victory against Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati Open final.
Alcaraz pulled through a tough match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday’s semi-final, winning 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 after surviving a match point.
Meanwhile, Djokovic, who’s ranked second in the world, defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 to confirm his match against Alcaraz.
Djokovic referred to the match as his “ultimate challenge at this time,” emphasizing the significance of the encounter.
The 20-year-old Spanish player, Alcaraz, has had the upper hand against Djokovic, beating him in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon last month. They’ve met three times, with Alcaraz winning twice.
For the 36-year-old Serbian player, this match is an important preparatory step for the US Open. “Different conditions await us, and it’s our first meeting on hard court. I’ll be taking on the in-form world’s top player. It’s the toughest test I could have, and I’m excited about it,” Djokovic commented.
Reaching the final marks Alcaraz’s eighth of the year, making him the youngest Cincinnati Open finalist since Pete Sampras, who was 19 in 1991.
Djokovic has a chance to set a record as the oldest Cincinnati champion in the Open Era, a title currently held by Ken Rosewall, who won at 35 in 1970. Djokovic previously claimed the Cincinnati title in 2018 and 2020.
After skipping last year’s US Open and other American tournaments due to his Covid vaccination status, Djokovic is competing in the United States for the first time since 2021.
He has set his sights on a 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, commencing on 28 August.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rematch
Who will be playing in the Cincinnati Open final?
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face off in the Cincinnati Open final.
What was Carlos Alcaraz’s journey to the final?
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Hubert Hurkacz, saving a match point, with a score of 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the semi-final.
How did Novak Djokovic reach the final?
Novak Djokovic overcame Alexander Zverev with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 to secure his spot in the final.
What significance does this match hold for Djokovic?
Djokovic referred to the match as the “ultimate challenge” at the moment, highlighting its importance.
How have Djokovic and Alcaraz fared in previous meetings?
Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, winning two out of their three encounters.
What does Djokovic consider this match to be in preparation for?
Djokovic sees this match as crucial preparation for the upcoming US Open.
What records could be set in this tournament?
Alcaraz could become the youngest Cincinnati Open finalist since Pete Sampras in 1991. Djokovic aims to be the oldest champion in the Open Era.
When was Djokovic’s last appearance in the United States?
Djokovic’s last appearance in the United States was in 2021, as he missed events in 2022 due to his Covid vaccination status.
What is Djokovic’s next goal after the Cincinnati Open?
Djokovic aims for his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, starting on August 28th.
