Novak Djokovic put nearly two decades of big-match experience to best use on Friday as he defeated cramping young gun Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to set up a French Open final with Casper Ruud.
Djokovic pounced in a tense, taut match with world No. 1 Alcaraz, who will lose the ATP top ranking if Djokovic prevails on Sunday by winning an all-time best 23rd Grand Slam singles title.
Ruud, 2022 Paris runner-up to Rafael Nadal, has reached his third-Grand Slam final in his last five events as he beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 in their first meeting on clay.
The Norwegian winner was the first to reach back-to-back semi-finals here since Robin Soderling in 2009-2010.
He has lost all four of his meetings against Djokovic; Zverev dropped to 1-13 against Top 10 opponents at the Grand Slams.
“I went out and tried to play my best without a lot of emotion. the Scandinavian said after setting up two match points with an ace.
“I played well, I’m very content to win this match.
“I didn’t come to Roland Garros thinking that I could get to the final again. But I’m hoping that the third time will be the charm for me,” added the 2022 finalist here and in New York.
The 36-year-old Djokovic went shot-for-shot with Alcaraz over their first two sets before the 20-year-old’s accumulated nerves led to the cramps which eventually erased any victory dreams.
Djokovic, treated on court for his own existing – if mysterious – elbow and arm problems, was pleased to move into his 34th Grand Slam final.
“It was not the best way to end the match for him, but respect for him for hanging in there until the last point,” the winner said.,
“It was obvious that he was struggling with his movement. It’s unfortunate for the
crowd, it’s unfortunate for a match of this importance for both of us.
“You know, it happens when you play at extremely high intensity as we both did
“For the first two sets, it was so even. It was very demanding physically for both of us. Cramps whatever he was struggling with, can happen.
“I wish him a fast recovery. I’m sure he will be back strong.”
Djokovic strolled through the final two sets as his under-done opponent won just two games.
“The beginning of the third set was key for me to hang on, and something unexpected happened,” the veteran said..
“Nobody really expected him to experience these cramps – from that moment onwards it was a different match
“I just tried to stay there, stay present, make him play. He couldn’t move as well as in the first two sets.”
Djokovic started strong, breaking Alcaraz for 3-1 in the first set and saving three break points against his serve to hold for 5-2.
Alcaraz saved a set point in the eighth game as he fought to stay in the set, but Djokovic wrapped it ; the Serb claimed the opening set after nearly an hour on his second chance, 6-3.
Djokovic was seen by the trainer after the seventh game of the second set for treatment on his right arm and elbow.
The Serb was then broken upon resumption, only to re-break with a backhand winner to the cornet, putting the set back on serve, 4-5.
Saving three more break points in a dramatic 10th game drew the scoreline level, 5-5,
But Alcaraz had the last word, winning the set with a break of Djokovic in the final game, 7-5, to square the contest at a set each after nearly two and a quarter hours.
After losing serve to trail 1-2 in the third set, Alcaraz took treatment for cramping in his right leg but was penalised under the rules as that affliction is not eligible for a time out.
The medical pause drew a round of trademark jeers from the tetchy Chatrier showcourt crowd.
Djokovic took full advantage of his compromised opponent, breaking to love for 4-1 and racing away to 5-1 as the momentum shifted decisively.
Main photo:- French Open 2023 Novak Djokovic celebrates as he beats Carlos Alcaraz Men’s Semi-Final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
