French Open Semifinals: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic
If you’ve been following the French Open, you know that tomorrow you finally get the chance to see the match you have been waiting for all year.
Clay-court specialist Carlos Alcaraz against all-time great Novak Djokovic in the French Open semifinals.
Will it be the passing of the torch?
Can Djokovic rise once again in quest of No. 23?
Ahead of tomorrow’s matchup on Court Phillipe-Chatrier, here is everything you need to know.
French Open Semifinals: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz
In his short yet accomplished career, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz has already emerged as the successor to Rafael Nadal on clay.
It has become hard to find any weakness in his game.
In fact, the World No.1 dismantled #5 Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets with ease, excelling with his drop shot, while committing just 20 unforced errors.
This has become a common theme for Alcaraz, who has dropped just one set all tournament, with straight set wins over #18 Lorenzo Musetti and #32 Denis Shapovalov to name a few.
The winner of 20 of his 22 clay matches this year, Carlos Alcaraz emerged as the clear favorite before the tournament started.
The one player standing in the way of getting to that final is Novak Djokovic, about as difficult of an opponent as you can get.
Novak Djokovic
In three of his last four matches, the former No.1 has gotten off to slow starts.
However, each time he has managed to find form, holding the edge both mentally, as well as physically.
Unlike his opponent though, Djokovic is not a true clay-court specialist.
The 22-time winner has only played in eight matches on the clay-swing this year.
However, Djokovic has experience at this semifinal stage, having made it here at least 11 times prior.
Who has the edge?
While Djokovic has the tools to defeat Alcaraz here, the Spaniard is competing on an entire different level at the moment.
Djokovic’s struggles in the first set throughout the tournament is something that will not bode well against an opponent like Alcaraz.
There are little flaws in Alcaraz’s game and he seemingly gets to every ball, committing few unforced errors.
If Djokovic wishes to prevail he must control the pace, and gear Alcaraz away from his oh so effective drop shot.
However, you have to be near perfect to beat Alcaraz on clay.
There’s a reason the guy has lost just two matches on clay this season.
I don’t see Djokovic doing enough.