French Open Highlights: Novak Djokovic made it to his 34th career final in Grand Slam as he defeated World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal at the French Open 2023 on Friday, 9th June 2023. Djokovic, the 22-time Grand Slam champion outlasted the Spaniard 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
The No. 1-ranked Alcaraz produced one particularly brilliant shot — one that went viral within minutes and could be talked about for years — en route to claiming the second set of what, at the time, was a closely contested and thrilling showdown. But in the end, this highly anticipated matchup was as anti-climatic as can be.
That’s because early in the third set, after nearly 2 1/2 hours of exertion and tension in 85-degree heat at Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz’s body began to lock up. First, his hand began to cramp. Then his legs. And so, at 1-all, Alcaraz needed to take a break and get treated by a trainer. Because it was not a changeover, Alcaraz was required to forfeit the following game and fell behind 2-1.
From there, it was pretty much all over. Djokovic, who is 36, was able to cruise to the finish against Alcaraz, who is 20, making for the widest age gap in a men’s Grand Slam semifinal since 1991.
“I feel for him. I feel sorry. … I hope he can recover very soon,” Djokovic said. “I told him at the net, he knows how young he is. He has plenty of time ahead of him. He’s going to win this tournament, I’m sure, many, many times,” said Djokovic after the match.
Following 26th win of the season, Djokovic will surpass Alcaraz and return to World No. 1 if he defeats Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.
French Open Highlights: Novak Djokovic outlasts Carlos Alcaraz to enter seventh final at Roland Garros
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