"Might go down as one of the greatest matches of all time" - Tennis fans excited ahead of Carlos Alcaraz-Novak Djokovic French Open SF
One of the most anticipated encounters of the season is around the corner with top-seed Carlos Alcaraz taking on two-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open on Friday, June 9.
While Carlos Alcaraz was at his brilliant best, seeing off Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (5), the third-seeded Serb took a while to come into his own before downing Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4 on Tuesday, June 6.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have not played each other since the 2022 Madrid Masters semifinals, where the 20-year-old beat the Serb en route to bagging the title. Tennis fans around the world cannot wait to watch the two players face each other for only the second time on the ATP tour. According to journalist Ben Rothenberg, the winner of the clash could be crowned as the "true ATP #1".
"At last, the star-crossed stars will cross. After barely being in the same draws as each other in 2023, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will finally face one another in the #RolandGarros semifinals. Lots at stake, including perceived hold of who the true ATP #1 is," Rothenberg tweeted.
At last, the star-crossed stars will cross.
After barely being in the same draws as each other in 2023, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will finally face one another in the #RolandGarros semifinals.
Lots at stake, including perceived hold of who the true ATP #1 is.
Alcaraz dethroned Djokovic from the top spot in men's tennis following his 2022 US Open triumph and regained the coveted ranking during his Italian Open debut earlier this year. The 36-year-old can take back the the World No. 1 slot from the Spaniard if he manages to win the title at Roland Garros.
One fan pointed out how both Alcaraz and Djokovic had referred to the other as "the best" in reference to the upcoming semifinal.
Novak Djokovic in press earlier, re: Carlos Alcaraz:
"If you want to beat the best, you have to beat the best."
Carlos Alcaraz to Marion Bartoli, on Philippe-Chatrier, re: Novak Djokovic:
"I always say that to be the best, you have to beat the best."
Another fan predicted that Friday's clash could go down in history as one of the "greatest matches of all time".
"Alcaraz-Djokovic on Friday might go down as one of the greatest matches of all time," they tweeted.
Alcaraz-Djokovic on Friday might go down as one of the greatest matches of all time
Several others in the tennis world have been voicing their thoughts on social media ahead of the big match.
Here are a few of thsoe tweets:
@TennisPodcast Basically it's a Final. Everybody Knows that.
@BenRothenberg Is it true that they've only played each other once? That's a ridiculous stat
@BenRothenberg Who cares about “perceived” #1? Who’s standing on top in November is what matters. Novak still has Wimbledon & can finally play in the US. Will be interesting and fun
@BenRothenberg Novak is already number 1 the rankings are a joke he barely played this year
@BenRothenberg The true ATP number 1?
What a messed up thing to say, knowing that Djokovic has a long-standing injury, is 16 years the senior of Alcaraz and he was robbed of Wimbledon points.
@TennisTV @carlosalcaraz @DjokerNole @rolandgarros The biggest match of 2023! Excited!! 💥
@TennisTV @carlosalcaraz @DjokerNole @rolandgarros Match of the decade 🔥
"I believe in myself all the time" - Carlos Alcaraz following sensational quarterfinal win at the 2023 French Open
Carlos Alcaraz stunned the Roland Garros crowd with an incredibly dominant straight sets win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals, a clash that many expected would be a closer affair.
Despite Tsitsipas playing some decent tennis, the 20-year-old managed to nullify the Greek's powerful serve and creative drop shots with his on-court power and precision to end the match 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (7).
After the match, Alcaraz highlighted the importance of self belief during his on-court interview, stressing that "believing in yourself" was the most important factor when competing at the highest level.
"I believe in myself all the time. I would say that's the most important thing, not only for me, I would say for everyone, believing in yourself. I always think that I'm going to play these kind of matches in this level. I would say that's the key of everything with joy. That's the key," Alcaraz stated.