Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic prediction and odds: Cincinnati Open 2023

It’s the Western & Southern Open final that we all wanted. Carlos Alcaraz is set to take on Novak Djokovic – the 1st vs 2nd seed, and the repeat of the 2023 Wimbledon final. It should be an awesome battle, and I’ve shared my tennis predictions today for this contest right here.

Our favourite Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic predictions

Carlos Alcaraz has made it into the final by the skin of his teeth. He saved a match point against Hurkacz to reach the final, and in doing so, he will keep the number 1 ranking regardless of the result today. In contrast, Djokovic has breezed into the final, and this is reflected in my predictions for this match, as shared below:

Djokovic to win @ 4/7 (1.57)

I know that the die-hard Alcaraz fans will be convinced that the Spaniard will win this final. Yet having watched both Alcaraz and Djokovic competing this week, I can’t see Alcaraz winning. Djokovic has produced sublime tennis en route to the final, and he has yet to lose a set. In contrast, Alcaraz has lost a set in every single round.

Djokovic -1.5 games handicap @ 7/10 (1.70)

Alcaraz hasn’t been serving particularly well at the Western & Southern Open for whatever season. And given that Djokovic is arguably the best returner of all time, he could well break Alcaraz at least once in each set. In fact, even if he was to break just once in each set and hold his own serve, this market would pull through.

The odds in this article were correct at the time of writing, and the odds are subject to change. We recommend checking with your bookmaker before placing a bet.

Djokovic seeks to avenge Wimbledon loss to Alcaraz

Putting my ATP Cincinnati Open predictions in the rear-view mirror now, check out my two previews for the top seeds here.

Carlos Alcaraz preview

Alcaraz has already bettered his 2022 performance at the Western & Southern Open. In fact, he has bettered it by two rounds after battling to beat Hurkacz yesterday. In doing so, his cumulative ATP points tally will improve, and he will retain the top ranking. This is great, of course, yet he hasn’t found his best tennis this week, and he has looked vulnerable in all of his matches.

Novak Djokovic preview

Djokovic will no doubt be miffed that he’s missed out on the number 1 ranking. And we all know what tends to happen when Djokovic feels this way – he comes out swinging. With that said, the number one ranking won’t be on his mind for this game. Instead, I’m sure his primary focus is taking down Alcaraz and avenging his Wimbledon loss. At the same time, this would be a huge win mentally as we approach the 2023 US Open.

Alcaraz vs Djokovic head to head

Alcaraz and Djokovic have played just three times on the ATP Tour. Of course, the most recent match was the final of Wimbledon, and Alcaraz won that in a thrilling five-setter. Yet prior to that, both games have been on clay, and ultimately – it’s Alcaraz that has the 2-1 head-to-head lead.

• Match Schedule – August 20th, 21:45 GMT
• Venue – Cincinnati, USA
• Viewing Options – Amazon Prime