Alcaraz vs. Djokovic: Paris is looking forward to the semi-final hit – tennis

Carlos Alcaraz challenges Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros semifinals. © APA / afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

Since the day of the draw for this year’s French Open, tennis fans from all over the world have been looking forward to this semi-final duel: the generational duel of 22-time major champion Novak Djokovic (36) against world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who is 16 years his junior, even exists only the second time.

08. June 2023

From: cst/apa

In the Madrid semifinals in 2022, Alcaraz had just got the upper hand with 7: 6 in the third set. Both players have only dropped one set in Paris so far. The hit on Friday (3 p.m.) is also a duel for number 1 in the ATP ranking.

If the Spaniard wins, he will remain firmly on the tennis throne even after the tournament. Djokovic would then also have to win the title to replace Alcaraz. For the Serbs, of course, there is much more at stake. In the not so “eternal” fight with Rafael Nadal, he could overtake the now long-term injured in the major statistics.

Novak Djokovic could set further milestones in Paris. © APA / afp / THOMAS SAMSON

With a third Roland Garros title, Djokovic could become the first player ever to have won all four majors at least three times. Alcaraz was asked whether youth or experience is an advantage: “I would like to believe my youth,” said the Spaniard with a smile. “But it will be his 45th semi-final in a Grand Slam and only my second,” he also warned. And what does the Djoker say? “It’s definitely the biggest challenge for me in the tournament. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He’s definitely the player to beat here.”