Carlos Alcaraz endured yet another three-setter at the 2023 Cincinnati Masters but claimed not to be tired ahead of the final.
It will be a tough final for Alcaraz, possibly another match that will go to three sets. As Djokovic pointed out, Alcaraz is the most formidable challenger for him, and that's likely the case for the Spaniard as well. It won't be a smooth match for Alcaraz, even though he'll give it his all.
He's been doing that all week long as he had to wiggle out from more than a few uncomfortable situations. He played several 3-set matches this week, including the last one against Hubert Hurakcz, where he even faced a match point.
When you add competing in Toronto the previous week, it's pretty clear that Djokovic will have fresher legs in the final. Reporters asked Alcaraz about his physical level ahead of the final and he declared that he was good to go.
I feel good. Probably the people can think that I going to be tired in the final. But I feel good. It doesn't matter if I play in third set, long matches, I'm recovering really, really well with my physio, with my team I feel like I'm going to play the first match of the tournament. I feel great (smiling).
There is a good chance that Alcaraz is indeed fresh, as he says he is, but it's highly unlikely that he doesn't feel any fatigue. The Spaniard has become rather well-known for downplaying anything and everything.
He's downplayed pressure, injuries, and all sorts of things before, so it would not be shocking that he's also downplaying fatigue. We'll see soon enough, as the final will be played a bit later today. The starting time for the match is 16:30 at the earliest but could be pushed back depending on how long the WTA final lasts.
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