Carlos Alcaraz had a very unlucky incident during his final match at the 2023 Cincinnati Masters against Novak Djokovic.
The world of tennis got to see another encounter that will be remembered for years in Cincinnati between the young Spanish sensation, Carlos Alcaraz, and the living legend, Novak Djokovic. The match provided the thrill every tennis enthusiast seeks, but it also carried an unexpected twist.
The first set was a gripping affair. The audience was on the edge of their seats as Alcaraz showcased why he's hailed as one of the most promising talents on the ATP Tour. Though many anticipated the first set heading into a tie-break, the Spaniard had other plans.
Against the expectations of many, Alcaraz saw an opportunity in the eleventh game. After creating three break-point chances, he capitalized and surged ahead, closing the set at 7-5 and taking an early lead despite losing in the opening set 2-4.
The second set was an emotional rollercoaster. Leading 4-2, Alcaraz looked set to wrap things up. But Djokovic, with his vast reservoir of experience, was not going to be defeated that easily. What followed was an intense back-and-forth between the two, neither willing to give in, pushing the set towards an inevitable tie-break.
Now, a tie-break against Novak Djokovic is not a scenario many players would relish. The Serbian superstar, who has etched his name in history with 23 Grand Slam titles, possesses an uncanny ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
This match was no different. Djokovic seemed in control with an early 3-1 lead in the tie-break. But Alcaraz, undeterred, staged a mesmerizing comeback, having a match point at 6-5. Yet, it was the Serb that won the tie-break 9-7, taking the match into the decider.
But the climax of this gripping contest was yet to come. After the emotional whirlwind of the second set, the weight of the moment seemed to bear down on Alcaraz. In a moment of sheer frustration, he lashed out at his chair with his right hand.
This act of passion, while understandable given the intensity of the match, had unforeseen consequences. The Spanish prodigy seemed to have injured his hand in the process and called in the physio, needing his finger taped immediately.
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