Novak Djokovic made probably the most of his expertise to outclass world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz Garfia within the first semi-final of the continuing French Open. The two-time French Open champion, who’s chasing a document 23rd males’s Grand Slam title and third Roland Garros crown, defeated an ailing Alcaraz 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to grow to be the oldest males’s finalist in Paris since Bill Tilden in 1930. After making it a set apiece, Alcaraz barely moved within the third and fourth set resulting from his bodily struggles, permitting Djokovic to breeze previous him at Court Philippe Chatrier.
During the second set, nevertheless, Alcaraz hit the shot of the event, leaving everybody inside the sector, together with Djokovic in full awe.
The 36-year-old tempted Alcaraz with a drop shot, which the 20-year-old did handle to return. Djokovic would then play a deep shot which led Alcaraz to scramble to the baseline.
While everybody thought that the 20-year-old would attempt to loft the ball over Djokovic, he did the unthinkable by sending the ball towards’s his opponent’s proper with a fragile flick.
The crowd was in full awe and stood as much as applaud the teen whereas Djokovic and Alcaraz each stood there laughing.
In Novak voice: NOT TOO BAD #RolandGarros | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/pHkwxrff4u
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 9, 2023
His shot, nevertheless, reminded followers of Roger Federer’s winner in opposition to David Nalbandian within the 2006 French Open semifinal.
I’ve seen Roger has carried out it in 2006 Roland-Garros SF. They reacted the identical. pic.twitter.com/XBr53LmJsN
— (@Ju9d4Us8SOaM5PN) June 9, 2023
FEDERER a Nalbandian en SF #RolandGarros 2006.
ALCARAZ a Djokovic en SF #RolandGarros 2023.
17 anos después se repite la historia con un punto memorable en la Philippe Chatrier. pic.twitter.com/bzsp3AIvsg
— Pablo Puente (@PabloPuente17) June 9, 2023
Federer within the 2006 Roland Garros semis.
Alcaraz within the Roland Garros 2023 semis. pic.twitter.com/9zOoIkkHux— imam hulagur (@imamhulagur) June 9, 2023
Dos punts identics amb 17 anys de diferencia. Semifinal de Roland Garros 2023 Djokovic-Alcaraz. Semifinal de Roland Garros 2006 Federer-Nalbandian pic.twitter.com/Qvsj1XcVsa
— Joan R Vallvé (@joanRvallve) June 9, 2023
After the match, Djokovic backed Alcaraz to win the French Open “multiple times” after the younger Spaniard suffered extreme cramps which derailed his titles hopes Friday.
“It was very demanding physically for both of us, and things like that physically, cramps or whatever he was struggling with, can happen,” stated Djokovic, who will meet final 12 months’s runner-up Casper Ruud in his 34th Grand Slam closing.
“Respect for him for hanging in there until the last point, really. It was obvious that he was struggling with his movement.
(With AFP Inputs)
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