When the Western & Southern Open started earlier this week, there was one matchup everyone wanted to see on the men’s side: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic. That is what we will get on championship Sunday as the World No. 2 looks to avenge his Wimbledon loss to the World No. 1. Let’s get into the preview and prediction for the Cincinnati Masters final.
ATP Cincinnati Final Prediction
Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 2-1 Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz has looked human this week. The World No. 1 has played four three-set matches in Cincinnati en route to his fifth Masters 1000 final appearance. That said, he has done a brilliant job of working through adversity while problem-solving mid-match. He has played many different styles of opponents this week and has shown the ability to adapt in each match. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic has faced little pushback this week. The World No. 2 has not dropped a set in Cincinnati. He has been dominant from the baseline, pushing his opponents all around the court. Alcaraz is among the few players to hold a winning record against Djokovic, upping the stakes for the 36-year-old.
Djokovic’s intensity and mentality have been evident in his only lead-up event ahead of the US Open. He has been all business in Cincinnati and will be ready to go from the first point on Sunday. It will be intriguing to see how Alcaraz responds to Djokovic’s first punch. The Spaniard must be prepped for a battle, willing to compete in many 10+ shot rallies. Djokovic will not give anything away in this match. I see Alcaraz finding some momentum, specifically early in the second set. In the end, I see the Serb raising his level in the tense moments en route to his third Western & Southern Open title.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
