Djokovic’s first set!
The number 3 at ATP does not tremble and converts his first set point. Novak Djokovic wins the first round of this shock in 56 minutes, which he dominates for the moment.
1st set: ALC 3-6 DJO
Fourth break point wasted by Alcaraz
Alcaraz brings Djokovic to the net on a drop shot and the lobe. But the fourth break point is missed by the Spaniard, who misses his return.
1st set: ALC 3-5 DJO
Alcaraz makes the set last
The world number 1 imposes itself on his service game. Mandatory break now, if he does not want to leave the first round to the Serb.
1st set: ALC 3-5 DJO
Djokovic resists and maintains his lead
Djokovic clears a third break point with a volley at the net. He finally won this seventh game, after a quarter of an hour of exchanges, on a return from Alcaraz which did not pass the net.
1st set: ALC 2-5 DJO
Two break points missed by Alcaraz
Double fault by Novak Djokoic who offers a first break point to Alcaraz, but the amortization of the Spaniard ends up in the net. The world number 1 then offers himself a second break point after having defended extremely well from right to left on the attacks of the Serb, but does not convert it: his forehand is too long.
1st set: ALC 2-4 DJO
A giant screen on the Suzanne-Lenglen
Thousands of spectators follow this match from the stands of the Suzanne-Lenglen court, on which a giant screen has been installed, a few steps from the Philippe-Chatrier.
Alcaraz stays in touch
Alcaraz’s passing surprises Djokovic on his left, on the net after a too soft volley. The Spaniard reduces the gap after a very complicated start.
1st set: ALC 2-4 DJO
Djokovic confirms his break
Alcaraz’s backhand ends up in the net. Novak Djokovic takes a three game lead in this first set, after 22 minutes of play.
1st set: ALC 1-4 DJO
First Djokovic break!
Carlos Alcaraz is first surprised at the net by Djokovic, who delivers the volley ball. This is followed by an overly long forehand from Alcaraz which allows the Joker to break in stride on a superb point: a long exchange which ends with a save from the Serb at the net, putting the ball out of reach of the Spaniard .
1st set: ALC 1-3 DJO
Djokovic insists
Alcaraz can’t do anything on the Serb’s forehand, after leaving several difficult balls in play on the right of the court.
1st set: ALC 1-2 DJO
Beautiful people in the stands
Many personalities in the stands for this highly anticipated semi-final. In the front row of the presidential rostrum, we find in particular Pierre Niney. Also invited: Matthew Perry, Jean Imbert, Jean-Pierre Papin, Patrick Bruel, Kev Adams, Danilo Pereira, Tiakola, James Marsden and Fary.
In the boxes of the partners, we can notably see Basile Boli, François-Xavier Demaison and Vianney.
Alcaraz replica
With a powerful forehand that takes Novak Djokovic on the wrong foot, Carlos Alcaraz puts the counters equal. A game everywhere.
1st set: ALC 1-1 DJO
Djokovic wins his first service game
The world number 3 benefits from two game points and converts the first, on a too long return from Alcaraz.
1st set: ALC 0-1 DJO
Here we go, Djokovic serves first
Top start for this high-flying semi-final! The Serb is the first to serve.
Players enter the court
Novak Djokovic is the first to enter the clay court of the Philippe-Chatrier court, whose stands are very sparse, on this Friday afternoon.
More than a quarter of an hour (approximately) to wait
Welcome to the RMC Sport website to follow THE long-awaited big poster live, this Roland-Garros semi-final between Carlos Alcaraz (20 years old, world No. 1) and Novak Djokovic (36 years old, world No. 3).
Expected start at 2:45 p.m. on the Philippe-Chatrier court.
Follow the shock on the digital radio 100% Clay
Given the programming of the shock of the tournament very early, only one solution to follow Alcaraz-Djokovic in full when you are far from a screen: RMC’s 100% clay radio to be found here.
Behind the Alcaraz-Djokovic shock, the place of world number 1 at stake
The semi-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic promises to be the summit of this Roland-Garros 2023. Behind this second confrontation also hides the challenge of the place of world number 1.
• Alcaraz remain world number 1 if they beat Djokovic
The simplest scenario: if Carlos Alcaraz wins this semi-final, he cannot lose his place as world number 1. He will even increase his lead over Novak Djokovic, current world number 3. If he wins the tournament, the Spaniard will be more than 2,000 points ahead of Djokovic in the standings (who will become world number 2 on Monday).
• Djokovic must win the tournament to become world number 1 again
For Novak Djokovic, only one way out: the man with 22 Grand Slam tournament titles must win the Porte d’Auteuil tournament to regain the throne of world number 1. A presence in the final will not be enough for him. If he wins in Paris, he will be just over 400 points ahead of Alcaraz, and will do a double blow since he will become the most successful player in Grand Slam history with 23 titles, ahead of Rafael Nadal. .
Anthony Rech
45 min of training for Alcaraz, smiling and available for the fans
45 minutes of warm-up for Carlos Alcaraz this morning between 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. this morning at Roland-Garros where it is already very hot. The Murcian hit the ball on court 2, a small crowded annex court where there was not a single place left. Dozens of spectators also lined up outside in vain.
At the end of his session, the world number 1 took the time to sign many autographs, take a few photos, answer an interview on the edge of the court.
In the back alleys of Roland, he was smiling and relaxed before the shock against Novak Djokovic.
AR
Alcaraz for a first, Djokovic for a record
Co-holder of the record for Grand Slam titles with 22 coronations, Novak Djokovic can become the only player with 23 major trophies ahead of Rafael Nadal. Forfeited at Roland-Garros, the Spaniard may benefit from the indirect support of his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. Porte d’Auteuil, the 36-year-old Serb is aiming for a third title after 2016 and 2021.
The young world number 1 (20 years old) dreams of winning his first victory in the Parisian tournament. Titled at the US Open in December 2022, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s protege is looking for a first prestigious success at Roland-Garros.
>> Follow Roland Garros with a free trial on Amazon Prime
A little surprise in the program
With a poster at the top of tennis between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, the organizers of the tournament could have offered themselves a huge exposure by programming it at the start of the evening.
But, as is usual with the two players qualified (chronologically) for the semi-finals, the Alcaraz-Djokovic shock is the first duel this Friday on the Philippe-Chatrier court.
>> More info here
Hello everyone,
The fortnight is soon coming to an end at Roland-Garros and only four of them can claim to win the Parisian tournament in the men’s draw.
Winner of the Australian Open in January, Novak Djokovic will try to continue in Paris and this Friday challenges the current leader of the ATP ranking: Carlos Alcaraz.
The prestigious semi-final between the Serb and the Spaniard can be followed live with commentary from 2:45 p.m.