It will be Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open semifinals on Friday.
Neither man any trouble playing his part in setting up the highly anticipated showdown. Jannik Sinner stormed past Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(3) in Tuesday’s first quarterfinal contest before Carlos Alcaraz continued his mastery of Stefanos Tsitsipas with a 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-4 win in the nightcap.
Sinner also clinched the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in his career next week, as defending champion Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a knee injury.
“I am very happy,” said Sinner, whose victory over Dimitrov was a rematch of the Miami Open final, which the Italian also won easily. “We have played a couple of times before and know what to expect. It is always tough to play against him. He is such a great talent and nice guy. My performance was very solid, especially the first two sets. I had a little bit of pressure when serving for the match, but this is normal, this is tennis. I am happy with how I played later and to be in the semis.”
Alcaraz improved to 6-0 lifetime against Tsitsipas. They also faced each other in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros last year, a match that Alcaraz also won in straight sets. He has now taken nine sets in a row off Tsitsipas.
The head-to-head series between Alcaraz and Sinner stands at 4-4 on the main tour, including 1-1 at Grand Slams.
“It’s a really difficult challenge,” the Spaniard said on court following Tuesday’s success. “He’s the best player in the world right now. We’ve played great matches. I’m glad to have him on the tour. Thanks to him I push myself to be better and give my 100 percent every morning–to wake up in the morning and want to improve my game to try to beat him.
“I’m ready to take the challenge and put a show on this beautiful court. It’s the match everyone wants to watch. I’m sure he’s gonna show his best; myself, as well. Let’s see who’s gonna win.”
who ya got?
Have to say Alcaraz on clay.
As for me, Im struggling to keep up with watching all the matches.
Sad about Djoko but as his age was always going to be tough to recover next match even without the injury.
Alcaraz has a slight edge when both are at their best. However, Alcaraz will likely be less consistent throughout his career given their respective playing styles and personalities.
Sinner is too good right now. Alcaraz hasn’t played anyone anywhere close to Sinner’s level since Novak in Cincy last year, maybe Meddy in NYC. Sinner has the edge.
I think Sinner wins in 3, maybe 4. Seems like a hot take now but just watch on Friday
agreed. Sinner, but it will be competitive.
Over a long match, probably Sinner.