Novak Djokovic on the French Open 2023© AFP
Novak Djokovic defeated an ailing Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 on Friday to develop into the second oldest males’s finalist in French Open historical past and shut in on a file 23rd Grand Slam title. Djokovic, a two-time Roland Garros champion, will break the file he shares with Rafael Nadal for probably the most males’s Grand Slam titles if he beats Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s closing. The 36-year-old Serb may also eclipse Nadal because the match’s oldest winner and regain the primary rating from Alcaraz, who was severely restricted by cramp within the final two units.
“First and foremost I have to say tough luck for Carlos, because at this level the last thing you want is cramp, physical problems at the last stages of Grand Slam,” mentioned Djokovic.
“I feel for him, I feel sorry and I hope he can recover.”
Alcaraz’s bodily struggles drained the suspense as he gamely fought to hold on after an exciting first two units, with Djokovic dominating the opener earlier than the Spaniard levelled within the second.
The 20-year-old pulled up clutching his proper calf as Djokovic held serve for 1-1 within the third set, successfully giving his rival the following sport quite than wrestle by means of to the changeover.
Alcaraz was a shadow of the unshakeable, all-action participant who started the match, his motion closely restricted as Djokovic breezed by means of the remainder of the set.
He returned for the fourth set after a toilet break trying considerably extra cellular, however after Djokovic saved a break level within the opening sport any lingering resistance from Alcaraz subsided.
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