"I've experienced this before" – Novak Djokovic jokingly hints at Rafael Nadal as Carlos Alcaraz says 'Spanish never die' after Cincinnati final

Novak Djokovic made an indirect reference to Rafael Nadal in his victory speech after defeating Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Open final on Sunday, August 20.

Djokovic and Alcaraz produced another epic final in Mason, Ohio, just weeks after the summit clash at the Wimbledon Championships. The outcome, however, was different on Sunday as the Serb avenged his grasscourt defeat and tied the head-to-head tally against Alcaraz to 2-2.

In his victory speech, the World No. 2 was full of praise for his opponent as he said:

"I think we all lost words for what you are doing on the court. You're an incredible person and a champion. Congratulation on amazing career so far. A lot of the players never manage to reach those heights in their entire careers - what you managed to do in the last two, three years is unbelievable."

The 23-time Grand Slam winner also appreciated Alcaraz's determination to fight until the end.

“Boy, you never give up man. Jesus Christ. I love that about you. But sometimes I wish you’d maybe play a few points like this,” he said.

To this, Alcaraz replied:

"Spanish never die."

Hearing those words, the Serb was evidently reminded of another Spaniard: his archrival Rafael Nadal.

"I've heard that before," he said. "Or I've experienced this before."

The Novak Djokovic-Rafael Nadal rivalry

2021 French Open - Day Thirteen

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have produced a slew of epic encounters over the last decade, with the head-to-head count hanging slightly in favor of the Serb, 30-29.

Some of their most memorable battles include the 2012 final at the Australian Open and the 2013 semifinal at French Open. Djokovic defeated the Spaniard 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 in the 2012 summit clash at Melbourne to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for a third time.

Nadal got his revenge at Roland Garros though, beating Djokovic in three successive years from 2012 to 2014. Their 2013 clash, which came in the semifinals, is widely considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history.

Their latest meeting, in the quarterfinals of the French Open last year, also went in favor of Nadal, who eventually lifted the Paris Major trophy for a 14th time. Nadal is currently out of action nursing an injury and is expected to return to the court next year.