Novak Djokovic offers followers dying stare after beating Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic flashed a stern take a look at a gaggle of screaming followers whereas giving his on-court interview after defeating Carlos Alcaraz to win the Cincinnati Open. The Serb got here again from a set down to say the spoils over Alcaraz, who beat him to clinch his first Wimbledon title earlier this summer season.
Djokovic efficiently managed to avenge his loss at SW19 with a three-set victory, which can function a serious confidence increase forward of subsequent week’s US Open. However, he was visibly irritated throughout his post-match interview when he was interrupted by a gaggle of excitable followers.
The 36-year-old was talking about his rising rivalry with Alcaraz when the group started to scream, prompting him to flash a disapproving look of their route. Djokovic held the dying stare for a couple of seconds earlier than switching his focus again to the interviewer and selecting up the place he left off.
It got here as Djokovic admitted that Alcaraz had given him one of many hardest matches of his profession, saying: “Crazy. Honestly, I don’t know what else I can say. Tough to describe, definitely one of the toughest matches I’ve ever played in my life regardless of what tournament, what category, what player.
“Anybody who’s watching on the stadium or on the TV has seen that this rivalry simply will get higher and higher. Amazing participant, tons of respect for him. Obviously, three units in the present day, however virtually 4 hours. You simply need to put your hats all the way down to a man like that.
“He plays so maturely, handles the pressure so well for a 20-year-old. We cannot forget how young he is. That’s something that is so impressive about him. From the beginning until the end, we’ve both been through so much, so many ups and downs, highs and lows, incredible points, poor games, heat strokes, coming back.
“Just general, one of many hardest and most enjoyable matches I used to be ever a part of and these are the sorts of moments and matches that I proceed to work for day in time out. I used to be by no means unsure that I can ship the ‘A’ recreation when it mattered probably the most and I’m simply thrilled.”
Djokovic went on to compare the draining win to his iconic Australian Open final victory in 2012, when he defeated Rafael Nadal after nearly six hours of play. Alcaraz, meanwhile, was visibly emotional after the match in Cincinnati and wept in his seat while Djokovic was celebrating his latest victory.
“Each level is a hustle, every level is a battle,” he added. “You’ve received to principally earn each single level, each single shot, whatever the circumstances. It’s wonderful to have the ability to expertise that with him on the courtroom.”