The much-awaited match that had the tennis world buzzing since the French Open draw was announced is finally here.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, and Spain’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz will face off in the Roland Garros semi-finals on Friday, showcasing their stunning form and setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
“This is the match that a lot of people want to see,” said Djokovic, 36, who is vying for his third French Open title and a record-breaking 23rd major championship. Alcaraz, a 20-year-old rising star, won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September and is now competing in his maiden semi-final on the clay courts of Paris.
Ever since the draw was released, fans and players alike had been eagerly awaiting this match. “Since the draw came out, everyone was expecting that match. Myself as well. I have really wanted to play this match,” expressed Alcaraz. Both players have been considered top contenders for the Coupe des Mousquetaires, even before 14-time champion Rafael Nadal withdrew due to a hip injury.
The winner of this highly anticipated clash will be the favourite to triumph in the final, facing the victor of the other semi-final between Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud and Germany’s 22nd seed Alexander Zverev.
When Djokovic’s name landed in the same half of the draw as Alcaraz, excitement filled the air at Roland Garros. Despite Djokovic’s recent injury concerns, which led to him being seeded third in Paris, his impressive form makes him a formidable opponent for the young Spaniard.
“It’s definitely the biggest challenge for me so far in the tournament,” acknowledged Djokovic, who claimed the Roland Garros title in 2016 and 2021. “If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He’s definitely a guy to beat here. I’m looking forward to that.”
Djokovic and Alcaraz have been standout performers on the men’s tour this season, each having dropped only one set thus far in the French Open. However, their encounters on the court have been scarce, with only one previous meeting in Madrid last year, which Alcaraz won in a tight third-set tiebreaker.
Adding to the intrigue, the world’s number-one ranking is also at stake. If Alcaraz defeats Djokovic, he will remain at the top, while Djokovic must clinch the tournament title to reclaim the coveted position.
While both players have excelled in this year’s Roland Garros, there is a significant disparity in their career experience. Djokovic is appearing in his 45th major semi-final, second only to Roger Federer, and is aiming to surpass Nadal as the oldest French Open men’s champion.
On the other hand, Alcaraz, who just turned 20, has only reached his second major semi-final and hopes to rely on his youthful vigour to outshine his seasoned opponent.
“It’s going to be his 45th semi-final of a Grand Slam, and this is going to be my second,” Alcaraz noted. “I would say the experience is better in that point, but I’m not going to think about that.”
The stage is set for a captivating clash between youth and experience, as Djokovic and Alcaraz step onto the court in what promises to be a momentous semi-final showdown at the French Open.
