In a spectacular display of court mastery, Carlos Alcaraz, the current World No. 1, dominated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals of the French Open. Alcaraz secured a straight-set victory of 6-2, 6-1, 7-6(5), setting the stage for a highly anticipated semifinal against Novak Djokovic, the No. 3 seed.
Djokovic faced a tough challenge earlier, as he battled back from a set down to defeat Russia’s Karen Khachanov with a score of 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-3. With this victory, Djokovic remains on course for his record-breaking 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles title.
Alcaraz expressed his excitement for the upcoming semifinal, acknowledging the anticipation surrounding the match. “This is the match everyone wants to watch, and it’s going to be a great one to play,” he said.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi Set to Join Inter Miami, Rejects Saudi Offer
The 2022 US Open champion also emphasized the importance of competing against top players like Djokovic, stating, “If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Djokovic is one of the world’s best, and I’m eagerly looking forward to it.”
The blockbuster showdown between Alcaraz and Djokovic carries more than just a spot in the final. The winner will leave Paris next week as the world’s top-ranked player.
With the absence of Rafael Nadal, a 14-time Roland Garros champion, Djokovic and Alcaraz have emerged as the leading contenders for the clay-court major. Both players have delivered convincing performances throughout the tournament.
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham Sets Record as Most Expensive Young British Player
In their quarterfinal match on Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz proved unstoppable against the No. 5 seed Tsitsipas, recording 36 winners compared to Tsitsipas’ 21. After two hours and 12 minutes of play, Alcaraz secured victory.
Reflecting on the match, Tsitsipas admitted, “It wasn’t enjoyable out there in the first two sets. I felt completely off. I just hope to avoid such a situation in the future.”
During the match, Alcaraz faced break points in just one game, which occurred right after Tsitsipas saved two match points while serving at 5-2 in the third set. Despite the setback, Tsitsipas managed to hold his serve in the 10th game, equalizing the score at 5-5.
READ MORE: Haddad Maia Makes History: First Brazilian in French Open Semis
“I lost focus a bit towards the end of the third set,” Alcaraz admitted. “I had a couple of match points on the return and when serving for the match. He started playing better, but I also lost my focus a bit.”
The set ultimately progressed to a tiebreak, where Alcaraz displayed unwavering determination and secured a 7-5 win, claiming his fifth victory over Tsitsipas in as many encounters.
