A duel worthy of the Nadal-Djokovic of previous editions, and then tragedy. The Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz conceded defeat on Thursday, June 9, against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of Roland-Garros. The duel was set to remain in the annals of the France Open, but nasty cramps in the third set prevented the Spaniard from defending his chances with the same intensity as in the first moments (6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1).

A few hours before this tragic conclusion, Djokovic had attacked hard his 45th Grand Slam semifinal and won the first game without problem. Then Alcaraz set the target and began pounding the world No. 3 with his formidable forehand. The duel was on.

The Djokovic machine

Facing a Carlos Alcaraz a little tense by the stakes, Djokovic ends up winning the first break of the match. Fist raging towards the corner of the Philippe-Chatrier stadium chanting his name, "Nole" exults. And confirms its advantage in the process.

The Djokovic machine seems launched, but it fails to stop on his fourth serve: in delicacy on his first balls, "Nole" offers three successive break balls to the Spanish prodigy. However, "Carlito" did not materialize and Djokovic concluded with an authoritative ace and took the lead definitively in the first set, concluding it on his second ball of the set (6-3).

Start a second set more messy. Both men seem scarred by the heat on the court. The Spaniard and the Serbian multiply the errors and struggle to make the break

A second anthology set

The Philippe-Chatrier holds his breath when the two men reward him with one of the most beautiful exchanges of the tournament. Caught at the net, the Spaniard manages to put back a winning pass on a slide completely back to the game. The ball finds the line and Novak Djokovic can only look at it, helpless. A handsome player, he applauds his opponent as the stadium capsizes.

Carlos Alcaraz found the opening at the end of the set to make the break. "Nole" finally cracks and the Spaniard serves for the second set. But Novak Djokovic, with his 22 Major titles, has the experience for him. Tirelessly sending the Spaniard's balls back onto the field, he managed to get out of it and break away, concluding the game with a perfect backhand on the line.

The young tennis wolf believes he is holding the set in the palm of his hands when he clears at 40-0 on his opponent's serve. But, Djokovic, again and again, erases them, returns from the devil vauvert and sends the Spaniard back to his studies for a time (5-4). But, after two games of very high flight, Carlos Alcaraz gives himself new opportunities to conclude on the service of his opponent: this time, the native of El Palmar does not tremble (7-5).

6-3 🇷🇸
7-5 🇪🇸 #RolandGarros @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/ZygxJm6eKT

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 9, 2023

While the duel seems to last, Carlos Alcaraz grimaces in pain and holds his leg in pain after a banal return. He opts for a medical timeout and must therefore concede his service game, the rules do not allow medical downtime in case of cramps out of side change.

If the Spaniard accepts the harsh rule, "Nole" suffers a bronca when resuming the game. And for good reason: the rhythm and intensity suffers from Alcaraz's suffering. The two men are struggling to shorten the exchanges and Djokovic even seems to spare his opponent. Without suspense, the Serb folded the third set quickly (6-1) against his opponent who could no longer run.

2 SETS TO 1 DJOKOVIC

Alcaraz hit in the leg, the Djoker takes the opportunity to regain the lead, 6-3 5-7 6-1

Will Carlitos recover? pic.twitter.com/T4whImK4KX

— We Are Tennis France (@WeAreTennisFR) June 9, 2023

After a medical timeout, Carlos Alcaraz refuses to give up. He comes with the support of the public against the Serb to play the 4th set, but can do nothing against a Djokovic who does not even have to force his talent. Carlos Alcaraz gleans a game but impossible for him to do more.

The scenario is cruel for the Spaniard, who dreams of succeeding Nadal at Roland-Garros. Ultimate vexation, he risks losing his place of world number 1 at the hands of his opponent of the day in case of victory Sunday of the Serb. But Djokovic does not care: what he is aiming for is a place in history with the record of 23 Grand Slams won.

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