A Wimbledon final rematch is on the cards at the 2023 Western and Southern Open after Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic secured their spots in Sunday’s final.
First to make the final was Carlos Alcaraz, who again went the distance before seeing off Hubert Hurkacz in a tight three-setter.
Novak Djokovic then played under the lights, taking out Sascha Zverev to move 8-4 ahead in their H2H rivalry.
While the Spaniard maintained his world number one ranking by making the final, should Djokovic win, he’ll move to within 20 points of recapturing it. With zero points to defend in New York, he’s a near cert should he capture 1000 points on Sunday.
Western and Southern Open 2023 Semi-Final Results
Winner
Loser
Scoreline
Carlos Alcaraz (1)
Hubert Hurkacz
2-6 7-6(4) 6-3
Novak Djokovic (2)
Alexander Zverev (16)
7-6(5) 7-5
Alcaraz Overcomes Hurkacz
Carlos Alcaraz retained his world number-one ranking after another hard-fought victory against Hubert Hurkacz.
The Spaniard was again taken the distance and even had to save a match point on serve at 4-5 in the second set. But he fended it off and went on to win six consecutive points from 1/4 in the tie-break to force a decider.
In the third, Alcaraz broke in the fourth game before closing it out in 2 hours and 16 minutes.
It was a mental semi-final, and I had to stay there. I had a lot of breakpoints; it was tough. Obviously, saving a match point is never easy, but with my coach, we talked about staying positive and staying there. We knew I would have my chances, and I tried to take it. Every match against Hubi is really, really tough, but I’m really, really happy that I was able to win. It’s been a really tough tournament; all matches [have gone] three sets. But I’m really happy to win these kind of matches and stay strong mentally; these matches are really good for me. I grow up a lot thanks to these matches. Alcaraz on his tricky ween in Cincinatti.
Match Stats
Carlos Alcaraz
Hubert Hurkacz
Aces
2
10
Double Faults
0
1
First Serve
66%
64%
1st Serve Points Won
68% (41/60)
74% (50/68)
2nd Serve Points Won
65% (20/31)
51% (20/39)
Break Points Saved
50% (2/4)
91% (10/11)
1st Return Points Won
26% (18/68)
32% (19/60)
2nd Return Points Won
49% (19/39)
35% (11/31)
Break Points Converted
9% (1/11)
50% (2/4)
Winners
23
31
Unforced Errors
11
14
Net Points Won
62% (16/26)
53% (19/36)
Service Points Won
67% (61/91)
64% (69/107)
Receiving Points Won
36% (38/107)
33% (30/91)
Total Points Won
49% (98/198)
50% (99/198)
Highlights
Djokovic Too Strong For Zverev
Novak Djokovic proved too strong for Sascha Zverev, coming through a baseline battle 7-6(5), 7-5 in 2 hours and 6 minutes.
The first set was a lengthy battle, with Zverev coming through a 10-minute service game at 4-5, and although the German forced a tiebreak, Djokovic raised his level as we’ve seen countless times, locking down from the baseline to win it.
The Serb then took an immediate break in set two, maintaining his advantage until 5-4, where he was broken trying to serve it out.
However, he instantly regrouped, breaking again and sealing it 7-5.
I played well in very few of [Sascha’s] service games where I had chances, particularly five-all [after] he broke my serve to stay in the match. I managed to bounce back, played a great game to break him again and sealed the deal in the 12th game of the second set. I’m pleased. There are a few things I could’ve done better, but overall it’s a straight-sets win against a great player in form, so I’m really happy. Djokovic on his win over Zverev.
Match Stats
Alexander Zverev
Novak Djokovic
Aces
10
4
Double Faults
3
3
First Serve
69%
64%
1st Serve Points Won
80% (44/55)
80% (41/51)
2nd Serve Points Won
40% (10/25)
55% (16/29)
Break Points Saved
67% (4/6)
75% (3/4)
1st Return Points Won
20% (10/51)
20% (11/55)
2nd Return Points Won
45% (13/29)
60% (15/25)
Break Points Converted
25% (1/4)
33% (2/6)
Winners
24
18
Unforced Errors
11
13
Net Points Won
71% (15/21)
72% (13/18)
Service Points Won
68% (54/79)
71% (57/80)
Receiving Points Won
29% (23/80)
32% (25/79)
Total Points Won
49% (78/159)
52% (82/159)
Highlights
Western and Southern Open 2023 Final
Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs Novak Djokovic (2)[
Who is your pick for the title? Let me know in the comments.