PARIS — Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set to clash in a highly anticipated French Open semi-final on Friday, marking the continuation of a burgeoning rivalry that promises to shape the future of men’s tennis. With defending champion Novak Djokovic sidelined due to a knee injury, the victor of this match will emerge as the favorite to capture the Coupe des Mousquetaires, potentially becoming the first new men’s singles champion at Roland Garros since 2016.
This semi-final encounter will be the first at Roland Garros between two players under the age of 23 since 2008, when Rafael Nadal defeated Djokovic on his way to his fourth French Open title.
“I think everybody wants to watch this match,” Alcaraz stated. “When the draw came out, I think everybody wanted Jannik on my side, playing the semi-final. I think it’s going to be great for tennis and for the fans.”
Alcaraz, 21, and 22-year-old Jannik Sinner, who recently clinched the Australian Open title, are evenly matched with a head-to-head record of 4-4. This semi-final marks their third Grand Slam meeting and their first showdown at Roland Garros. Both players have displayed dominant form, each dropping only one set en route to the semi-finals.
“You have to run like it is a marathon, you know, side-to-side. Everything he does, he does it perfectly. The way that he hits the ball is unbelievable,” Alcaraz commented on the upcoming challenge. “I love this kind of challenge, to have a really difficult battle against him. I love to find solutions, to find a way to beat him… I think those situations are great for tennis, when you have to try to find the right way.”
Ruud and Zverev Set for Semi-Final Rematch
In the other semi-final, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev will vie for a spot in the final. Ruud, who has been the runner-up at Roland Garros for the past two years, is seeking his first Grand Slam title. Despite winning only one of his four matches in straight sets, Ruud benefits from additional rest after receiving a walkover in his quarter-final against Djokovic.
Meanwhile, Zverev aims to overcome the semi-final hurdle for the first time at the French Open, having been eliminated at this stage in the past three tournaments. After a straight-sets victory over Alex de Minaur, Zverev expressed his respect for Ruud’s abilities on clay.
“Two finals in a row, third semi-final in a row, that speaks for itself. He’s one of the best players on this surface, for sure. I think I have to play my best tennis to have a chance,” Zverev said.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this year’s French Open, with young talents ready to seize their moment in the absence of the tournament’s defending champion.
