the serbian Novak Djokovicnumber 3 in the world, got into the final of Roland Garros after beating the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz (1st)who after winning the second set suffered a leg injury and, although he remained on the court, he could not maintain his level: it was a victory for Nole by 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 y 6-1 in three hours and 22 minutes.
It will be the Serbian’s seventh final on the Parisian clay, in search of his third Roland Garros crown for complete his 23rd Grand Slam and thus keep the record on the men’s circuitfor now tied with the Spanish Rafael Nadal in 22. It is worth remembering that the absolute mark at australiana Margaret Court (24)followed by the American Serena Williams (23) and the German Steffi Graff (22).
“All my respect for Alcaraz, who has managed to finish the match despite his physical problems. I have told him that he is young and that he has his whole life ahead of him, which is a shame, the last thing you want is to have physical problems in this type of match,” said the Serbian at the end of the duel.
At just 36 years of age, Djokovic became the second oldest finalist in the history of Roland Garros after the American Bill Tilden, who lost the 1930 final with 37 pirulos. Meanwhile, if he lifts the trophy next Sunday, he will become the oldest winner, unseating Nadal.
In turn, in that case too will regain the number 1 in the world to the detriment of Alcaraz.
“This is not over, I have one game left, I’m very proud to have reached this final, but the job is not over,” Djokovic said..
The 20-year-old Spanish wonder was only able to fight two sets, before suffering an puncture in the left leg that left him unable to continue competing, although he refused to retire and completed the match, earning the constant support of the public.
The final, against Casper Ruud
Djokovic will be measured this Sunday from 10 (Argentine time) against the Norwegian Casper Ruud (4th), who in the second shift dispatched the German Alexander Zverev (22nd) 6-3, 6-4 and 6-0. It will be the second consecutive final of the Nordic at Roland Garros, since last year he was runner-up after losing to Nadal 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0. Ruud, 24, still has no Grand Slam titles and was also runner-up at the 2022 US Open (loss to Alcaraz in four sets).
Djokovic, infallible
In the first set, The Serbian knew how to tie Alcaraz, who had won his only previous match, in Madrid last year in three sets. Each Spanish attack found an adequate response from a Djokovic who knew how to put the world number 1 in difficulties and took the first with a solid 6-3.
The best Alcaraz and a point for history
In the second, the match entered its most intense phase, with the blows most celebrated by the spectators, including a fantastic shot from behind by Alcaraz, perhaps the best point of the tournament before which Djokovic had nothing but to smilethrough gritted teeth, and clap.
The Serbian managed to raise three points for set when the Spaniard was up 5-4 and 40-0, but Alcaraz recovered from the slump and, with the support of the public, took the second set 7-5 and things were as they began.
Alcaraz’s injury
The game started again, only with two hours in the legs of both tennis players. Resistance was beginning to be a factor, in the middle of the parisian heat.
But just started the third set, at the last point of the second game, Alcaraz suffered a puncture in the leg. After several minutes on the field, he decided to ask for medical assistance, something only allowed in side exchanges.
Therefore, the arbitrator informed him that in that case he would lose all points until the next exchange. Alcaraz accepted and that placed the score at 2-1 in favor of the Serb and service.
visibly touched, the Spaniard returned to the field, but was practically unable to compete. He wanted to test himself to wait for the next exchange and receive new treatment from the physiotherapist, who arrived after delivering his serve to zero.
He forced himself to continue but he could barely run and respond to the Serbian’s game, who left pointing the games somewhat incredulous about the situation. So he won the third set, no fight, no fight, witnessing how the Alcaraz drama continued its course.
Alcaraz entered the locker room for a few minutes and returned shouting “Carlos, Carlos!” He improved his level somewhat, had two break points in the second and even won a game, while Djokovic did just enough to win the set against a bigger hurdle than his opponent: the uncomfortable situation of playing against an injured person, with an audience that was also never devoted to him.
2023-06-09 19:15:17
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