Novak Djokovic Challenges Carlos Alcaraz in the Cicinnati Open Final

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic again arranged a meeting with Carlos Alcaraz in the finals, after defeating Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the ATP Cincinnati Open, Saturday local time.

Djokovic's serve was briefly interrupted by a fireworks display at the amusement park near the stadium, but managed to regain his focus and finish the match.

"I played a really bad game, but I bounced back and locked in the win in the 12th game of the second set," Djokovic said, as broadcast by AFP on Sunday.

World number two Djokovic beat his German opponent 7-6(7/5), 7-5 to repeat last month's epic Wimbledon final, which was won by world number one Alcaraz.

"I can do some things better, but I'm quite happy to win in straight sets," he said.

"A final with the world number one and two facing each other is what I think everyone wants. So here we are," said the Serb.

While Alcaraz, aged 20, is the youngest Cincinnati finalist since 19-year-old Pete Sampras in 1991, Djokovic could well be the oldest Cincinnati champion in the Open Era.

The 36-year-old could write new history ahead of Ken Rosewall, who was 35 when he won in 1970.

This year's Australian Open and French Open champion, Djokovic, is playing in the United States for the first time in two years. He was denied entry to the US after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

He will be chasing a third Cincinnati title to complement the trophies won in 2018 and 2020, while seeking a record-extending 39th Masters 1000 crown.