Generation duel in Paris: Djokovic challenges number one in the world

PARIS. This tennis match is considered the early final, and at the same time it is a generational duel at the highest level. The 36-year-old Novak Djokovic challenges today (2.45 p.m., ServusTV) in the semi-finals of the French Open in Paris world number one Carlos Alcaraz (20), who is almost half his age. The Spaniard won the only direct comparison so far this year in the Madrid semifinals – also on clay – after a hard fight 6: 7 (5), 7: 5, 7: 6 (5). The omens for an epic showdown aren’t the worst.

youth versus routine

“I’m ready for possibly the longest match of the tournament. I will fight to the last drop of sweat as I see a great opportunity to win the trophy”, emphasized Djokovic, who is in the semifinals at Roland Garros for the twelfth time. Should he win the title, it would be his 23rd at Grand Slam level. He would have one more than the injured one “King of Paris”Rafael Nadal (Esp), and would be number one in the men’s all-time best list.

Like Djokovic, Alcaraz only gave up one set during the tournament and stood out as a short-time worker. Most recently, the youngster only needed 135 minutes to sweep Sebastian Ofner’s conqueror Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre) 6: 2, 6: 1, 7: 6 (5) off the Philippe Chatrier court. The reigning US Open champion and winner of ten ATP tournaments had never been on the pitch in Paris for more than 2:30 hours before.

The energy level is therefore high, detto the respect for him “djoker”. “We all know that Novak will absolutely do his best. He’ll give it his all until the last rally. We expect a tough, close match. Carlos strongly believes in himself. He can beat Novak”said coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

“The game against Tsitsipas was one of the best of my career, my level increases with every win”explained Alcaraz, who has an advantage in his “youth” sees. Of course, experience speaks for Djokovic: “It will be my 45th semi-final at a major, my second for me.”

Also in the round of the last four are Casper Ruud (North) and, surprisingly for many, Alexander Zverev (D), who said goodbye to Paris on crutches last year. The man from Hamburg tore multiple ligaments in his ankle in the semifinals against later triumphant Nadal. That’s history, but still an issue: “I have a lot to talk about, that’s okay. But first and foremost I’m here to win matches. That works quite well”reported Zverev.

Karolina Muchova, (still) number 43 in the ranking, is playing the tournament of her life. Yesterday, the 26-year-old Czech won the 3:17-hour thriller against Aryna Sabalenka (blr) 7: 6 (5), 6: 7 (5), 7: 5 and won her first Grand Slam endgame one. Muchova had previously had a semifinal at the Australian Open 2021 as a top result. “It feels sensationally good. I had to work hard for it, but it was worth it. It’s been an incredible two weeks”said the winner.

Thiem failed in the round of 16

There was no sense of achievement for Dominic Thiem on the Challenger Tour. The 29-year-old lost in the round of 16 in Heilbronn (sand) to number 135 in the computer, Pedro Martinez (Esp), 6:2, 3:6, 1:6. Jurij Rodionov is on grass in Surbiton after beating Christopher Eubanks (USA) 6:2, 6:4 in the quarter-finals. (Alex)