The least we can say is that Novak Djokovic’s return after a month without competition (he hadn’t played since losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz) is a success. Here the Serb is in the final of the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati without losing a single set. And it wasn’t Alexander Zverev who was able to stop his forward march, even if he had the credit for pushing him all the way to the tie-break in the first set. The German tried to become dangerous immediately but couldn’t convert the three break points that fell to him in the first game. After that, each of the men held his serve, Djokovic in turn failed to break and took the set despite three faster odds at 5-4. Zverev held on and therefore pushed him to the tie-break. A mini break was enough for Djokovic to lead.
And as is often the case when he’s ahead, Djokovic relaxes and becomes unplayable. An immediate break allowed him to master the second set without having to overplay. Obviously, he was content to hold serve as Zverev was very effective in delivering on his promises (6 aces, 72% of first serves and 70% of points behind in that second set). What is there to rage about after this break when the game has become a service duel? But we know how well Djokovic knows how to go surgical when it comes to taking the chance to break free. But the lack of competition was probably felt when it came to a close. Serving for the match, Djokovic was surprised by Zverev, who gave his all to get back to 5-5. But a drop shot, two forehand winners and a pass later, the world no. 2 had another opportunity to end his serve when the nearby amusement park hosted its traditional Saturday night fireworks display.
To the delight of the organizers and the fans, he will therefore meet his Wimbledon henchman Carlos Alcaraz in the final. No doubt he will have a little extra motivation just to send a strong message a week before the start of the US Open.