Carlos Alcaraz to meet Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals

• Carlos Alcaraz crushed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Tuesday to set up the highly anticipated clash with Novak Djokovic
• In the absence of Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have been long considered the favourites to win the French Open

World number one Carlos Alcaraz crushed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Tuesday to set up the highly anticipated clash with Novak Djokovic.

Spain’s Alcaraz beat Tsitsipas 6-2 6-1 7-6(5) to book a spot in the French Open last four. He will now face world number three Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final for a spot in the final at Roland Garros. The clash between Alcaraz and Djokovic will be one for the ages.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will play a mouth-watering semi-final on Friday. Photo/ Yahoo News Singapore.

Speaking after his victory over Tsitsipas, Alcaraz said, “Believing in myself, all the time. That’s the most important thing, not only for me but for everyone – believe in yourself. I always think I’m going to play this kind of matches, in this level – I would say that’s the key to everything, [to play] with enjoyment.”

In the absence of Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have been long considered the favourites to win the French Open. The two now meet in the semi-finals and that means only one will play in the finals.

Whereas Alcaraz his chasing his second Grand Slam after winning the US Open last year, Djokovic is on course for a record-breaking 23rd men’s singles major.

Djokovic booked a spot in the semi-final, which is to be played on Friday, after surviving a scare from Karen Khachanov. The Serbia international battled from a set down to beat Khachanov 4-6 7-6(0) 6-2 6-4.

Prior to facing Khachanov, Djokovic had not dropped a set all tournament on the Paris clay. The Russian provided him with the test he arguably needed before facing top seed Alcaraz.

How Carlos Alcaraz Beat Stefanos Tsitsipas

In an astonishing display at Philippe-Chatrier, Alcaraz put in one of the best performances of the year as he destroyed Greek fifth seed Tsitsipas. For almost three sets Alcaraz played jaw-dropping tennis, leaving his opponent with no answer.

It did not take long before Alcaraz put Tsitsipas under pressure. He broke him on his second service game and it was quite clear that the Greece international could not match Alcaraz’s power and precision. Alcaraz broke Tsitsipas to love with a sensational running forehand down the line to go 5-2. He won the first set in 34 minutes.

Tsitsipas lost his serve in the opening game of the next set to love and won just 13 points as Alcaraz claimed the set. The third set was no different as Alcaraz earned a quick break and took a 5-1 lead.

Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas shake hands. Photo/ Deccan Herald.

However, he squandered three match points, allowing Tsitsipas to launch a four-game comeback. The Greek came close but Alcaraz ended up taking control of the tie break before eventually winning the set to book a spot in the semi-finals of the French Open.