Carlos Alcaraz is set to face Novak Djokovic in the final of the Cincinnati Masters 2023. The Spaniard was through to the final after beating Hubert Hurkacz in three sets in the semi-final. A fan on Reddit has claimed to see Alcaraz walk into a famous restaurant with his team to watch the other semi-final between Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic.
The fan uploaded a picture where Carlos Alcaraz, accompanied by his team, is sitting on the table right in front of the TV and watching the semi-final to see his potential opponent in the final. The fan further noted a few interesting points from Alcaraz’s team dinner at The Carrabba’s.
Carlos Alcaraz and team were hoping Djokovic would lose?
After his semi-final victory, Carlos Alcaraz was asked who would he want to face in the final between Djokovic and Zverev. The Spaniard was quick to answer that he was happy to face either player and added that he always enjoys playing against both Djokovic and Zverev.
However, according to the fan on Reddit, Alcaraz and his team were rooting for Zverev to win the game and face the Spaniard in the final. The fan even mentioned that Alcaraz’s team were laughing at Djokovic’s celebrations, possibly at what Djokovic had written on the camera after his win (“Fireworks, Yeah!”). Moreover, the fan added that Alcaraz’s team were more into the result of the match while the Spaniard himself was more aloof and just enjoying the semi-final.
Novak Djokovic did end up winning the match as he defeated Alexander Zverev 7-6, 7-5 in straight sets to set up a final clash with Alcaraz. The top-2 players will go head-to-head again, in another final.
Another chapter in the beautiful rivalry
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are enjoying a newly budding rivalry in recent times. The two best players in the world are on top of their game and constantly vying for top prizes in sport. Their recent meeting was the extraordinary final clash at Wimbledon which Alcaraz won 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in what is regarded as one of the best finals in recent times. Alcaraz enjoys a 2-1 head-to-head record against the Serbian superstar but this will be the first time the duo face off on the hard courts in America.
All the past matches of Alcaraz and Djokovic have been close affairs and it is tough to predict the outcome of the Cincinnati Masters final. The youthful exuberance of Alcaraz against the experience of Novak Djokovic, this final will act as the perfect dress rehearsal for the US Open 2023, where the two best players in the world, will go in as favorites.
