Jannik Sinner reached his first French Open final on Friday with a straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic, setting up a much-anticipated showdown with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
The world No. 1 battled past the 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) in a high-quality semi-final on Court Philippe Chatrier, ending Djokovic’s bid for a record-breaking 25th major title—at least for now.
“He is the best player in the history of our sport. Playing against him here is amazing,” said the 23-year-old Italian. “Before coming on court you feel the tension, but I tried to stay focused.”
Despite Djokovic’s trademark resilience in the three-hour, 16-minute clash, he squandered three set points in the third set, allowing Sinner to close out the match in the tiebreak with confident shot-making and unshakable composure. The Italian hit 44 winners and held firm under pressure, including a key break after failing to serve out the second set.
Djokovic will now turn his attention to Wimbledon next month, where he will once again attempt to become the first man to win 25 Grand Slam titles.
Alcaraz advances after Musetti retires
Earlier in the day, Alcaraz booked his place in Sunday’s final after Italian Lorenzo Musetti retired with a thigh injury in the fourth set. The Spaniard was leading 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-0, 2-0 when Musetti, visibly struggling, was forced to withdraw.
“It’s never great to win a match this way,” said Alcaraz, 22. “He’s had an incredible clay season. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Alcaraz, who is eyeing his fifth Grand Slam title, has now beaten Sinner in their last four meetings, including a recent victory in the Italian Open final.
“Sunday will be tough,” Sinner admitted. “My record against Carlos hasn’t been great lately, but let’s see what I can do.”
History on the line
Sunday’s final marks the first Grand Slam title match between two men born in the 2000s. Neither Sinner nor Alcaraz has ever lost a major final, and with Djokovic eliminated, the tournament will see a sixth consecutive Grand Slam winner from outside the “Big Three.”
It’s also the first time since the 2013 US Open that the top two seeds will contest both the men’s and women’s finals at a major, with Aryna Sabalenka set to face Coco Gauff for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen on Saturday.
Musetti’s fast start fades
Musetti, seeded eighth, started strongly—breaking Alcaraz to win the opening set. But the Spaniard roared back, dominating the second-set tiebreak before racing through the third set in just 22 minutes, as Musetti’s movement deteriorated.
After dropping serve early in the fourth set, Musetti approached the net to shake hands, ending his impressive run in Paris.
“It’s been three intense weeks,” said Alcaraz. “Now I have one step left. I’ll give everything on Sunday. I’ve been playing great tennis.”
AFP
