World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has ended Novak Djokovic`s pursuit of an historic 25th Grand Slam title by defeating him in the French Open semi-finals. Sinner will now face his closest rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in the final showdown.
Sinner, looking sharp and revitalized, continued his relentless quest for a maiden title at Roland-Garros. He delivered a powerful performance against the 38-year-old Serbian champion, securing a memorable victory with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).
This win extends Sinner`s remarkable winning streak at major tournaments to 20 matches, building on his triumph at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Key Match Facts
Jannik Sinner is now only the second Italian man in the Open Era to reach the singles final at Roland-Garros.
For the first time in a men`s Grand Slam final, two players born in the 2000s will compete against each other (Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner).
This French Open final features the world No. 1 and No. 2 players for the first time since 1984.
Reflecting on the victory, Sinner stated, “It was such a special occasion for me, playing against Novak in the semi-final of a Grand Slam.” He added that he “had to step up and play the best tennis I could” and was “very happy how I handled the situation.” Sinner praised Djokovic as a “role model” for young players, remarking, “What he is doing is incredible and I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. I think we are all very lucky to see him playing such high-level tennis, it`s amazing.”
The Italian, who was defeated by defending champion Alcaraz in the Roland-Garros semi-finals last year, now has a chance for revenge on Sunday. While they have claimed the last five Grand Slam titles between them, this will be their first head-to-head match in a major final.
How Sinner Defeated Djokovic
Djokovic has won three titles on the Parisian clay, but the surface proved tricky when Sinner broke in the first set after a ball kicked up unexpectedly, leaving Djokovic unable to make the return.
Early in the second set, Djokovic won a spectacular 26-shot rally, showcasing his defensive skills before putting away a volley and soaking in the crowd`s applause.
Djokovic earned his first break point as Sinner served for the second set and broke back when the Italian sent a forehand into the net.
However, the 23-year-old Sinner responded immediately by breaking back. After Djokovic received medical treatment on his left thigh during the changeover, Sinner proceeded to wrap up the second set.
Djokovic fought hard in the third set and had three set points to potentially force a fourth. But Sinner successfully navigated the challenge and secured the victory in the tie-break after a match lasting three hours and 16 minutes.
Sinner further commented on facing Djokovic, saying, “[Novak] achieved so many things. He is the best player in the history of our sport and playing against him here is amazing.” He acknowledged feeling the tension before stepping onto the court against such a player but stressed the importance of preparation. Sinner concluded, “Sunday is going to be very difficult. Of course, lately my head-to-head doesn`t look great against Carlos, so let`s see what I can do. I`m very happy to be here in the final.”
Henman: An Amazing Performance
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman described Sinner`s performance as “amazing.” He suggested the match`s outcome wasn`t solely about physicality but perhaps reflected the challenge age presents, even for an “incredible athlete” like Djokovic. Henman highlighted the second set as “pivotal,” observing Djokovic`s slow departure from the court, noting, “he didn`t walk off court.”
Alcaraz Reaches Final After Musetti Retires
Carlos Alcaraz will defend La Coupe des Mousquetaires after his semi-final opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retired from their match.
The Italian Musetti started strongly, winning the first set and displaying exquisite tennis under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
However, the 23-year-old received medical treatment on his leg during a third set that Alcaraz dominated. Alcaraz won nine consecutive games before Musetti called an end to the match with the score at 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-0, 2-0.
The retirement brought to mind a previous match four years ago at Roland-Garros where Musetti retired against Novak Djokovic while down 4-0 in the fifth, later explaining he wasn`t injured but felt unable to win a point.
This time, Musetti clarified that his issue was a problem with his thigh. He stated he felt it “at the beginning of the third when I was serving,” noting he started losing strength in his left leg. He decided to stop as it was “going worse and worse,” believing it was “the right decision to make, even if it was not what I wanted.”
Alcaraz commented on the situation, stating, “It is never great getting through like this.” He described Lorenzo as a “great player” who has had an “incredible clay season” and wished him “all the best and a quick recovery.”
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz said the first two sets were “really tough” and he missed chances to break. He felt Musetti was playing “great tennis.” Alcaraz experienced “relief” after winning the second set and in the third, he “knew what I had to do – pushing him to the limit and trying to be aggressive.” He added that he felt “more calm” and could “see this more clearly,” leading him to play “great tennis.”
How Alcaraz Advanced to the Final
The match initially looked promising for Musetti when, after not previously threatening Alcaraz`s serve, he broke at 5-4 to take the first set.
Alcaraz served for the second set, but palpable tension seemed to affect him, allowing Musetti to break back immediately.
However, Alcaraz regrouped in the tie-break. Musetti saved two set points but netted the third, handing the set to Alcaraz.
A critical miss by Musetti at the start of the third set shifted the momentum to Alcaraz, who secured an early break.
With Alcaraz now playing with freedom, Musetti appeared to be struggling, winning only five points as the third set quickly went in Alcaraz`s favor.
Despite receiving treatment, the eighth seed was visibly hindered. When Alcaraz broke again to lead 2-0 in the fourth set, Musetti decided to retire.
Musetti is scheduled to compete at Queen`s Club and then Wimbledon. However, he stated it`s “too early to say” if he will play, as he needs to await the results of medical examinations to “take a decision for what`s next.”
Is Alcaraz Heading in the Right Direction?
Three-time French Open champion Mats Wilander remarked on Alcaraz`s potential, stating he realized Alcaraz was “the real deal” when he won Roland-Garros the previous year. Wilander noted that Alcaraz “plays better when he has to play good” and strategically “saves energy” in matches against less challenging opponents.
Wilander believes Alcaraz “is heading in the direction where he`s getting better and better,” suggesting that other players must improve to keep pace. Former semi-finalist Tim Henman added that Alcaraz sometimes appears to be in “third gear” but possesses the ability to “find the solutions at the right moment” and elevate his game as the match`s importance grows. This leaves observers like Henman to “wonder how many Slams he`s going to win in his career.”
