French Open semifinal this Friday: Alcaraz vs Djokovic will be a classic

World Number 1 Carlos Alcaraz faces a stern test in the French Open semifinal when he confronts 22-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros.

GOAT: Will these Lionel Messi records ever be broken?

ALCARAZ VS DJOKOVIC IS A FRENCH OPEN SEMIFINAL FOR THE AGES

Many observers have called this the final before the final, and they’re not entirely wrong. Novak Djokovic is arguably the greatest player this sport has ever seen, and 20-year-old Carlitos Alcaraz looks hell-bent on chipping away at the Serbian’s formidable tennis legacy.

Only two of Djokovic’s 22 slams came at Ronaldo Garros, so perhaps it’s not his favourite surface, but rule him out of any contest at your peril. That being said, his Spanish opponent won their only prior meeting at the Madrid Masters semifinals last year. What should we expect on Friday when the two best active players on the planet meet on the iconic dirt of Court Philippe Chatrier?

ICYMI: Comrades Marathon: Roads that will be closed on Sunday, 11 June

ALCARAZ VS DJOKOVIC: ROAD TO THE FRENCH OPEN SEMIFINALS

CARLOS ALCARAZ

Alcaraz has dispatched the big-hitting, dangerous Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the third round and he also made light work of talented Italian 17th-seed Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round. He looked irresistible in the quarterfinals, outclassing 2021 French Open finalist and 5th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, before riding out a spirited fightback from his Greek opponent to win the third set in a tie-break.

LIVE | French Open at Roland Garros – Thursday, 8 June 2023

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina pushed Djokovic into a pair of tie-breakers before Novak comfortably got the better of the 29th-seed in the third set. He was then far too good for Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas in the fourth round, again in straight sets. In the quarters, Djokovic had to weather a temporary storm against the power of Karen Khachanov before advancing in four.

ALCARAZ THE SLIGHT FAVOURITE?

The World Number 1 has won seven of his 10 career titles on clay, and his overall record on the surface is 64-13. Djokovic has won 18 career titles on clay alone, but Alcaraz’s aggression, risk-taking and stylish improvisation will provide the ultimate test. Two men at the opposite ends of their respective careers should produce an all-time classic on Friday when Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic meet at a Grand Slam for the first time. Enjoy.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.