Roland Garros number one seed Carlos Alcaraz is set to face two-time former champion Novak Djokovic in what is a highly-anticipated semifinal clash on Friday.
Djokovic faced a stern quarterfinal test in the form of 11th seed Karen Khachanov, whom he came from behind to defeat 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4. The former ATP world number one admitted that he felt “quite sluggish, quite slow” for nearly two sets, even calling the match his worst period throughout the entire tournament. Djokovic had not dropped a set during his first four matches of the tournament.
Alcaraz faced off with fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom he dispatched of in a surprisingly one-sided 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (5) win. “Since the draw came out, everyone was expecting that match—the semifinal against Novak. Myself, as well. I really want to play that match,” Alcaraz commented. The 20-year-old Spaniard will look to win his second Grand Slam title, having won the 2022 US Open.
