Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion, moves to the next stage
French Open 2023
Location: Roland Garros, Paris Dates: 28 May-11 June
Broadcast: Real-time text and radio commentaries of select matches on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, the Sport Newes Center website and app
Carlos Alcaraz, the top-seeded player, is set to square off against Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals, following an impressive victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. This sets the stage for an exciting showdown.
Alcaraz, 20, from Spain, clinched a resounding 6-2 6-1 7-6 (7-5) win against the fifth-seeded player from Greece.
Djokovic from Serbia, meanwhile, overcame a tough challenge from Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals, maintaining his pursuit of an unprecedented 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic, aged 36, managed to avert a two-set deficit against the Russian competitor, pulling through with a 4-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4 victory.
The third seed has the potential to make history as the first man to secure at least three victories in all four major tournaments.
However, he will need to overcome a stern test in the form of US Open champion Alcaraz in the semi-final scheduled for Friday.
“Everyone is eager to see this match and I am excited to play it,” said world number one Alcaraz.
“To become the best, you have to beat the best. Djokovic is among the world’s elite and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
With Rafael Nadal absent due to injury, Djokovic and Alcaraz have been touted as potential successors to the 14-time champion – their performance so far in the tournament strongly supports this speculation.
Relive how Alcaraz and Djokovic progressed to the Roland Garros semi-finals
Sabalenka fueled boos by waiting at net – Svitolina
I don’t support Lukashenko at the moment – Sabalenka
Eagerly anticipated semi-final between the pair finally arrives at a major
As soon as the French Open draw was revealed almost two weeks ago, attention was drawn towards a potential men’s semi-final encounter that many fans were eager to see.
Despite injury concerns leading to his third seeding at Roland Garros, Djokovic ended up in the same half of the draw as Alcaraz, who has taken his place as the world’s top player.
The unpredictability of sports means outcomes aren’t always as expected, but Alcaraz and Djokovic’s form ensured a headline semi-final in Paris.
Djokovic, who has clinched five out of the last seven majors he participated in, and Alcaraz have been two of the most impressive players in the men’s circuit this season.
Yet, confrontations between them, either directly or even at the major tournaments, have been infrequent.
Alcaraz set up their first major meeting in style by convincingly defeating an opponent who made it to the Roland Garros final in 2021.
After taking an early 2-1 lead in the opening set, the Spaniard quickly found his rhythm and overpowered the 24-year-old Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz exhibited his impressive skill set, including incredible returns from both sides and skillful drop-shots, to secure the first set in just 34 minutes.
Tsitsipas, appearing dispirited and in need of motivation from
6 comments
Wow! cant belive Alcaraz is facing Djokovic already… this is gonna be epic, go Alcaraz!!!
Djokovic, 23rd Grand Slam in sight… man he is legend. Kudos
Wished Rafa was playing, French Open isn’t the same without him. still, exciting semi-finals await!
i’m team Novak all the way. Alcaraz is good but this is Djoko’s court. let’s see what happens
Ouch… that must hurt for Tsitsipas. But well Alcaraz was on fire, no doubt.
Remember folks, whoever wins… its just a game! lets enjoy some top quality tennis!