Djokovic calls Alcaraz clash the 'best way to prepare for US Open" ahead of Cincinnati Open final

ATP
Sunday, 20 August 2023 at 21:30
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Novak Djokovic commented on the upcoming match against Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final and highlighted that it will serve as preparation for the US Open.

The Serbian tennis player has showcased a high level of tennis this week in the ATP 1000, reaching the final without dropping a set, including a significant victory in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev (16th seed).

Following his qualification for the final, the 23-time Grand Slam champion anticipated the match against Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he has a 2-1 head-to-head advantage in favor of the Spanish player.

Their only previous encounter in a final was at Wimbledon a month ago, with Alcaraz securing the victory, although 'Nole' emphasized the change in playing surface:

“Well, I mean, I guess it's the ultimate challenge at the moment for me. We faced each other in the last three events. Roland Garros, clay. Wimbledon, grass. Now hard court. It's going to be the first encounter on a hard court,” he said.

“It's a very good test prior to US Open. Obviously different conditions. Here best-of-three, US Open best-of-five. It's still facing the top, top player of the world now who is in form. It's the biggest challenge I could get, so I'm looking forward to it. Now it's the best way to prepare for New York,” he added.

Djokovic and Alcaraz will play their fourth match on Sunday afternoon, local time. For both, it will be their last match before the US Open, where the world No. 1 defends his crown, while Djokovic will compete once again in the fourth Grand Slam of the year.

The Serbian player did not participate in the 2022 tournament due to Covid restrictions and claimed the title in 2011, 2015, and 2018.

He also boasts 6 finals appearances in the tournament, with the most recent being in 2021 when he had the opportunity to win the Calendar Grand Slam by securing all four major titles in the same year: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open. However, he was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in that final.

Novak Djokovic on facing Carlos Alcaraz in Cincinnati Final: “It’s amazing for sport. The #1 & #2 in the world facing each other again in the final of a big event.. this is what I guess everyone wanted & expected at the beginning of the tournament. So here we are.”

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