The big Alcaraz drama in the Paris semi-finals

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz fought a big semi-final at the French Open for two sets. But then a real drama unfolded around the young Spaniard.

June 09, 2023

From: dpa/det

Novak Djokovic cheered cautiously and patted the deeply disappointed Carlos Alcaraz on the shoulders. After a major tennis drama surrounding the 20-year-old Spaniard, the 36-year-old Serb reached the final of the French Open for the seventh time. Djokovic defeated the badly injured world number one 6:3, 5:7, 6:1, 6:1 on Friday and can hope for his third title at the clay court classic in Paris. Alcaraz appeared to be suffering from cramps and could hardly move from the beginning of the third round.

Djokovic, third in the world rankings, only needs one win for his 23rd triumph in a Grand Slam tournament, with which he would secure the sole record ahead of Rafael Nadal. Djokovic will face Norwegian Casper Ruud in the final of the clay court classic in Paris this Sunday. Ruud had no trouble winning 6:3,6:4,6:0 with the German Alexander Zverev. In a hurry (2:09 hours) and like in 2022, the 24-year-old Norwegian made it to the Paris final. At that time he was defeated in three sets by clay court king Rafael Nadal, who was missing this year due to injury. Ruud has not won a set against Djokovic in four games so far.

Alcaraz suddenly can't walk anymore

But back to Alcaraz against Djokovic: In front of stars like boxing legend Mike Tyson and actor Michael Keaton, the spectators experienced a great sporting tragedy on the hottest day of the tournament. At the beginning of the third set, Alcaraz suddenly could no longer perform. He hobbled around the square on one leg, helpless and desperate. Since treatment was not planned at the time, the 20-year-old voluntarily gave up a game and had the doctor come. The spectators booed passionately at Djokovic's automatic game win - up to this point it had been a high-class, spectacular semi-final with plenty of highlights.

Alcaraz needs treatment. © APA/afp / EMMANUEL DUNAND

Alcaraz could barely walk because of his symptoms and the third set was gone. Even further treatment brought little improvement: the US Open winner didn't want to give up, fought with great heart, but had lost all rhythm and mobility. With the score at 0:5, Alcaraz took one more game in the fourth set, but less than an hour after the Spaniard's injury began, Djokovic was able to celebrate.

A high-class match

At the start of the game, Alcaraz's pressure and nervousness were visibly noticeable. After every point he won, the Spaniard cheered himself on and encouraged himself. But with his strong returns, Djokovic immediately put his opponent under pressure and dominated the initial phase. Alcaraz complained that he had to involve his opponent in longer rallies. And the game got closer. Djokovic's serve game took more than 14 minutes to make it 5-2, in which he fended off three break points. After 56 minutes, Djokovic secured the first round.

Novak Djokovic is in the final of the French Open. © APA/afp / EMMANUEL DUNAND

Both had previously only given up one round during the tournament, Alcaraz was on the pitch for a total of three and a half hours less. And until his problems, the 20-year-old took advantage of this. With the score at 1:1, he managed the point of the previous tournament: while sliding backwards, Alcaraz hit an incredible ball past his left leg - the spectators in the stands also took out their cell phones to study the scene again. Djokovic also applauded appreciatively with his racket.

When the score was 3:4, Djokovic had his apparently painful right forearm treated for a long time. But after Alcaraz had secured the second set, the Spaniard was shocked a little later - and then quickly eliminated.

Schlagwörter: Tennis Carlos Alcaraz French Open