As soon as the French Open draws were revealed, this was the match that stood out. A battle that pits two men who are somehow tennis past, present and future, against each other – and somehow only in the semifinals. Both have played some great tennis so far in Paris and both have had one-or-two slightly shaky moments. But who will book their place in Sunday’s final?
French Open Semifinal Prediction
Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
Jim: Novak Djokovic showed, for about half-an-hour, the quality of tennis he can still summon to storm into a 2-1 lead against Karen Khachanov. But then the storm abated and he looked more like a 36-year-old playing on what has always his least favourite of the three surfaces. Naturally, because he’s Djokovic, he still won the match, but Carlos Alcaraz is not Khachanov. In these conditions, with Djokovic’s powers still formidable but also on the wane, the Spaniard – who has demolished two very fine players in his most recent outings – should have just about enough.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
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Yesh: This is the battle we’ve all been waiting for. Alcaraz looks unbeatable, but he’s never faced a defender like Djokovic before. The Spaniard struggled most when Tsitsipas extended the rallies and forced Alcaraz to create his own points. It might take Djokovic a while to really figure that out, but once he does Alcaraz is in trouble.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Damian: Based on the level they’ve both produced so far, Alcaraz really should be taking this one. He is faster, he has bigger weapons, and he’s stronger physically. But we’ve also seen this movie before. Djokovic comes into the most important matches with scarcely believable focus and determination, but is it really going to be enough? Can he go toe-to-toe with the young gun fitness-wise?
If he feels like he can’t, we might see an extremely aggressive version of the Serbian. I’ll refrain from saying Alcaraz in three, but I’m afraid despite the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s ability to deliver when the pressure is at its peak, I cannot give him more than a set here – though I’m ready for him to prove me wrong (as he and his two peers have done time and time again).
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Jack: Who takes the most hyped match of the year so far? I trust Djokovic to turn up in top gear. Regardless of how he has or hasn’t been in his previous rounds, Djokovic hasn’t won his last nine (!) Grand Slam semifinals in a row playing half-rate tennis. Provided both players are at their best, should Carlos Alcaraz be considered the favourite?
The playbook against Alcaraz on slow clay does fall into Djokovic’s expertise—drop shots, aggressive returns down the middle to take time away from the Spaniard, outstanding rally temperament. Djokovic has made a habit of winning these kinds of matches over and over again and I think he’ll fancy the match-up. I’m envisioning number 23 come Sunday.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
