2023 Roland Garros: Djokovic reigns supreme over Alcaraz to reach a seventh career final

Novak Djokovic showed his supremacy and experience over Carlos Alcaraz in their semifinal at Roland Garros, outclassing the youngster 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 to reach a seventh career final in Paris.

Alcaraz lasted physically for just the first two sets and began cramping early in the third set till the end, which dampened the match and put a sad ending to what was a great beginning.

Djokovic’s stamina and endurance have to be applauded, and even at his age, he’s able to pace himself better than anyone in Grand Slams.

The tennis legend has played in 70 Grand Slam tournaments, advanced to his 34th final, and is a win from a 23rd Slam.

According to Opta Ace, Djokovic is the only male player in the Open Era with an 85% winning percentage in all four Grand Slams - 91.8% at Australian Open, 89.6% in Wimbledon, 86.2% at US Open and 85.0% at Roland Garros.

And for the fifth time in his career, he has won the first thirteen Grand Slam matches of the year, surpassing Bjorn Borg in the Open Era, who did it four times in his career.

Djokovic making his seventh Roland Garros final eclipses Bjorn Borg with six – only Rafael Nadal, at fourteen has more in the Open Era.

Speaking after the match Djokovic had kind words for Alcaraz.

“I told him at the net, he knows how young he is, he’s going to win here many times. He’s an incredible competitor, a very nice guy. He deserves all the support. Congrats to him for his fighting spirit and hanging in till the end.

“I have to say a tough loss for Carlos. Obviously, at this level, the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems in the late stages of slams. I feel for him. I feel sorry. I hope he can recover and come back really soon,” he said.