"I was like, man, come on give up": Djokovic honest on wanting Alcaraz to quit on match point in Cincinnati final

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at 22:00

Novak Djokovic revealed that he was expecting Carlos Alcaraz to give up at 5-3 to give him match points.

The Cincinnati final was arguably the most thrilling of the year, featuring a three-hour and fifty-minute battle between the world No. 1 and world No. 2, with both players saving numerous match points.

Djokovic led 5-3 in the third set, and Alcaraz had to serve. Djokovic had two match points, but Alcaraz didn't give up and secured the game, allowing Djokovic the opportunity, this time on his serve, to close the match.

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Once again, Alcaraz saved two match points against him and ultimately pushed the match to a tie-break, where 'Nole' stood strong and claimed his third title at the Cincinnati Open.

In a press conference, the world No. 2 shared his feelings during the challenging moments of the match's finale:

“In the 3rd set, I thought I played well, plenty of chances to break his serve, every single time & that match point at 5-3. I was like, man, come on, give up. You know, give me this ball. You know what I mean? He just gets so many balls back,” 23-time Grand Slam chmpioin said.

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With Djokovic's victory, he leveled the H2H with Alcaraz at 2-2, with the Serbian winning in the French Open semifinal and now in the Cincinnati final.

Alcaraz's triumphs came in the 2022 Madrid Open semifinal and the Wimbledon final, where he clinched his second Grand Slam title.

Both players are taking this week to rest and prepare for their next challenge at the US Open, starting on Monday, August 28th. They are the top two seeds, which means they could potentially face each other in the final.

Apart from chasing another Grand Slam victory, both are vying for the world No. 1 ranking. With just a 20-point difference in the live rankings, the margin is minimal. Alcaraz needs to defend his 2000 points from winning the title last year; otherwise, he will lose the top spot.

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Novak Djokovic was wanting Carlos Alcaraz to give up on match point at 5-3: “In the 3rd set, I thought I played well, plenty of chances to break his serve, every single time & that match point at 5-3. I was like, man, come on, give up. You know, give me this ball. You know what

4:43 PM · Aug 21, 2023

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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