Jannik Sinner stunned 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3), to secure his spot in the French Open final.
Next up is defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who has won their last four meetings and leads him 7-4 overall. Sinner is chasing his fourth major title, while Alcaraz bids for his fifth.
Undefeated in straight sets on the clay, Sinner showcased relentless accuracy and thunderous forehands. "We try to push ourselves in the best possible way," he said. "And the stage, it doesn't get any bigger now."
He also made history as only the second Italian man in the Open era to reach a Roland-Garros final, after Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Djokovic rallied early in the third set but faltered in the tiebreaker, with a rare missed smash to trail 3-0 and a final forehand that clipped the net. "I tried to stay there mentally, trying to play every point in the right way with good intensity," Sinner added. "You have to be ready to counterattack. That's why it's very important to be focused, no? Because if you sleep, then the match is gone."
Following the loss, Djokovic appeared emotional, kissing his hand and touching the clay as if saying farewell to the stadium. He suggested this might have been his last match at Roland-Garros.
On Sunday, all eyes will be on Court Philippe-Chatrier as Sinner and Alcaraz battle for the 2024 French Open crown. Tennis fans worldwide are bracing for a thrilling clash of power, precision, and mental grit.
Reference(s):
Sinner beats Djokovic to secure French Open final with Alcaraz
cgtn.com
