10th June 2023 – (Paris) Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to a record 23rd men’sĀ Grand SlamĀ title with a 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open semi-finals on Friday.
Although the world number one Alcaraz had just levelled the contest when he injured his right leg at 1-1 in the third set, he continued playing despite being clearly hampered. Djokovic capitalised on this, dropping only one of 12 games to secure a spot in Sunday’s final, where he will face either last year’s runner-up Casper Ruud or German Alexander Zverev.
It is unclear at this point whether Alcaraz, who missed this year’s Australian Open due to a hamstring injury, was suffering from cramps or a new injury.
Djokovic is aiming to become the first man in over 50 years to win all four Grand Slam titles twice, as well as to surpass his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in total Grand Slam titles. He already has nine Australian Open titles, five Wimbledon titles, three US Open titles, and one French Open title.
The Serbian player has been in excellent form this tournament, dropping only two sets en route to the final. He will be looking to continue his dominant performance in the final, no matter who he faces.
Djokovic has a chance to make history on Sunday, but he will need to stay focused and play his best tennis to claim the title. The world will be watching to see if he can add another Grand Slam trophy to his already impressive collection.