PARIS — In a thrilling day of semifinals at Roland-Garros, top-ranked Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3) to reach his first French Open final, where he will meet defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced after Lorenzo Musetti retired with a leg injury.
Sinner’s Statement Win Over Djokovic
Sinner, 22, played with ruthless precision and unyielding focus to dismantle Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, in straight sets. This was Sinner’s fourth consecutive win over Djokovic, and he becomes the second Italian man in the Open era to reach the French Open final after Adriano Panatta in 1976.
“We try to push ourself in the best possible way,” Sinner said. “And the stage, it doesn’t get any bigger now.”
Sinner didn’t drop a set en route to the final and extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 20 matches, after titles at the US Open and Australian Open.
Djokovic, visibly emotional after the match, kissed his hand and laid it on the Court Philippe-Chatrier clay, sparking speculation about his Roland-Garros future.
Alcaraz Advances as Musetti Retires Injured
Earlier in the day, Carlos Alcaraz led 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when Musetti retired due to a left leg issue. The eighth-seeded Italian had called for medical attention early in the third set and, after being broken in the fourth, walked to the net and embraced Alcaraz.
“It’s not great to win a match like this. Lorenzo is a great player,” said Alcaraz, who improved to 21-1 on clay this year. “I wish him all the best.”
Despite early frustrations, Alcaraz regrouped after narrowly winning the second set and dominated the third. He now heads into the final riding high on confidence, with clay titles already in Rome and Monte Carlo this season.
The Final: Sinner vs. Alcaraz
Sunday’s final promises to be a modern classic between the world’s top two players:
- Sinner has not dropped a set all tournament but trails 4-7 in head-to-head meetings.
- Alcaraz has won their last four matches, including the Rome final.
“I have a lot of confidence right now,” Alcaraz said. “It’s going to be a great battle.”
Legacy Moments
- Sinner said beating Djokovic on such a grand stage was “very special.”
- Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 38th Grand Slam final, admitted: “I felt constantly under pressure… That’s why he’s the No. 1 in the world.”
Looking Ahead
As Sinner aims for his fourth Grand Slam and Alcaraz eyes a fifth, Sunday’s final could be the start of a new era in men’s tennis—defined by rivalry, resilience, and brilliance on clay.