The first men’s semi-final at this French Open had been awaited with great excitement and anticipation, the French sports daily L’Equipe even announced a “generational conflict” in huge letters on the front page. Faster than ever at this year’s classic sand court, the main stadium was filled with spectators. And indeed, the duel between world number one Carlos Alcaraz, 20, and world number three Novak Djokovic, 36, was balanced for two sets and often thrilling. From the Spaniard’s point of view it was 3: 6, 7: 5, 1: 0, 30:40 when he hit a return on the Serb’s serve – and flinched at his forehand error.
He grabbed his punching arm, then shook his right leg. He needed treatment and since it didn’t happen during a break or end of a set, his opponent Djokovic was awarded a game – 2-1. Alcaraz actually played the game to the end, but he could no longer move and defend normally. After 3:22 hours, Djokovic converted the first match point. He can now become the oldest winner of the French Open on Sunday. After winning 6: 3, 5: 7, 6: 1, 6: 1 in his 45th Grand Slam semi-final, he reached a final in one of the four most important tennis tournaments for the seventh time in Paris and for the 34th time in total . Djokovic is also aiming for his 23rd Grand Slam victory – if he were successful, he would break away from co-record holder Rafael Nadal (22).
Alcaraz was dismissed with encouraging applause from Court Philipe-Chatrier. Djokovic, who received a few boos due to a cheering gesture that was a little too clear, said in the short interview on the pitch: “First of all, I have to say that it was bad luck for Carlos.” The last thing you want is to end a game like this. “I feel for him.” It was difficult for Alcaraz to deal with the situation, “he didn’t know how to continue playing. Congratulations on his fighting spirit.” There was friendly applause. Djokovic admitted: “It was a different match” – he meant from the moment Alcaraz got injured. The mood was subdued as he left, although some called his name.
Alcaraz somehow tried to recover from the physical problem. Immediately during the game, it was unclear if it was just a cramp or if other physical issues were also debilitating it. At 1: 4 in the third set he was treated during the break. A physiotherapist massaged the legs, apparently rubbing a substance into the thighs. After losing the third set, he left the field with a supervisor, this time he took a regular break for treatment, without a penalty. But the match was over.
Djokovic just had to keep the ball in play somehow, Alcaraz still scored nice points, who desperately hit some balls into the field at great risk – a muted end to this duel that was so eagerly awaited.