And Carlos Alcaraz gets the first point of the final as Djokovic is forced into an error off a running cross-court forehand. 0-15
But a brilliant second serve down the T gets Djokovic on the board. 15-15
A lucky net cord for Alcaraz trickles over, but he launches his next forehand long. 30-30
Bang. Ace down the T. 40-30
And we’re off to deuce in the first game of the match as Djokovic sends a backhand long.
That gives us our first net approach of the match. Not the best from Djokovic, and Alcaraz manages to muscle a running forehand down the line to set up his first break point.
Djokovic gets away with one as Alcaraz nets a cross-court forehand. Maybe a little tentative early. Deuce
Djokovic sets up another game point with a wide serve to Alcaraz’s forehand, which sails long.
An unforced error from Djokovic off the backhand wing. Doesn’t seem like anything is going to come easy tonight. Deuce
Wow. Djokovic tries a second serve and volley, but Alcaraz rips a return-shot pass down the line from deep in the court off the forehand wing.
But we’re back to our fourth deuce as Djokovic goes wide and follows it in, and Alcaraz’s backhand return flies long.
Djokovic gets Alcaraz running and the Spaniard dinks a slice slow and short, and Djokovic drills a backhand winner down the line. Such a tough shot from that low down and coming forward.
Deuce number five as Alcaraz charges into the net and Djokovic’s backhand lob is too deep.
What a shot from Alcaraz, rushing Djokovic’s second serve and bunting, with power, a backhand winner just over the net.
But another break point goes begging as he dumps a cross-court backhand into the net. Deuce
Djokovic gets to the net and he can’t withstand multiple powerful down-the-line forehands from Alcaraz. Break point number four for Alcaraz.
And it begets deuce number seven with a big first serve followed by a crushing forehand winner from Djokovic. I’m tired already.
Alcaraz has another chance as Djokovic gets Alcaraz running, but can’t finish off a backhand volley. It dipped late, but the point was absolutely on his racquet there.
ALCARAZ FINALLY BREAKS! After 14 minutes and five break points, Djokovic sends a down-the-line forehand wide. A great start for Alcaraz after electing to receive.