Novak Djokovic made a special stop in Bologna on Wednesday. The 24-time Major winner and the 2010 Davis Cup winner attended the Davis Cup Finals to honor his longtime mentor and legendary coach, Nikola Pilic.
The veteran kept a low profile during the visit, but he did take a moment to chat with reporters. Naturally, the conversation shifted to the newest chapter of the Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry.
The Italian bested the Spaniard 7-6, 7-5 after two hours and 15 minutes, defending the crown and wrapping up the season in style. Djokovic revealed that he tuned in to the opening set of their Sunday's showdown.
Novak expected nothing less than a razor-tight battle, which the world's best players provided. The most accomplished player of all time admitted he enjoyed every moment of that opening set that went down to the wire.
He recognized the intensity that has become the trademark sign of their clashes, especially this season. Novak praised the quality they displayed, from the baseline exchanges to the mental edge required under massive pressure.
The Serb highlighted how the pair continue to push modern tennis into new territory. For Djokovic, the level they produced in Turin was astronomical, hailing their intensity and tension.
Carlos entered the duel with discomfort in his right thigh. An MRI a day later revealed a muscle edema, although he kept fighting until the end. In fact, the Spaniard had his chances against the finest indoor player.
Alcaraz took only six points less than Sinner. World no. 1 missed a set point at 6-5 in the opening set before losing ground in the tie break. Carlos left that setback behind and forged a 3-1 lead in set number two.
He became the first player to steal Jannik's serve in Turin last week, although it was not enough to keep him safe. The Italian kept his composure and pulled the break back in game six.
The home favorite made another push on the return at 6-5, providing a decisive break and celebrating his second consecutive ATP Finals crown.
"Did I watch Jannik and Carlos at the ATP Finals? I watched the first set, because it's usually incredibly close, and this time it ended 7-6. I saw great tension, intensity on the court, and an astronomical level of tennis, honestly," Novak Djokovic said.
