Novak Djokovic makes cheeky Rafael Nadal remark about Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz is simply 20 and has at the moment solely has one Slam to his title – the US Open final 12 months – however is extensively considered the inheritor to the throne in males’s tennis as soon as Nadal and Djokovic retire. After reserving his place within the semi-finals at Roland Garros, the Serb ignored Alcaraz’s coach and in contrast the younger expertise to Nadal.

Nadal is a 14-time French Open champion however is absent this 12 months after present process surgical procedure and Alcaraz is seeking to take benefit with the primary clay-court Slam of his budding profession. He dominated Tsitsipas in straight units on the Parisian crimson dust on Tuesday night time to succeed in the final 4 for the primary time.

And earlier than the match, Djokovic – who noticed off Karen Khachanov in his personal quarter-final earlier within the afternoon – was requested about Alcaraz’s influence on tennis, with the pair now set to face off within the semi-finals. Before studying he would face Alcaraz subsequent, Djokovic stated: “Well, he carries himself very well. No doubt very nice guy on and off the court. Brings a lot of intensity on the court.

“Reminds me of somebody [Rafa Nadal] from his nation that performs with a left hand (smiling). He deserves his success, little doubt. He’s working arduous, and he very full participant already and solely age 20 – 19, 20?

“So we played only once in Madrid last year, 7-6 in the third for him. We haven’t played since. Yeah, you’re right, most of the tournaments this year we were not in the same draw but here we are. If it comes to that match, that’s the match that, you know, a lot of people want to see.

“It’s undoubtedly the largest problem for me, you already know, to date within the event. If you need to be one of the best, you must beat one of the best. He’s undoubtedly a man to beat right here. I’m trying ahead to that.

“But, he has to win against Tsitsipas, let’s not forget about that. We cannot disrespect Stefanos who has played finals here and is top, top player for many years. So let’s see what happens tonight.”

But regardless of Djokovic’s feedback, Tsitsipas gained a mere three video games within the first two units in opposition to Alcaraz. The Greek discovered himself trailing 6-2, 6-1, 5-2 however rallied late to present himself an opportunity and compelled a third-set tiebreak. Ultimately although Alcaraz confirmed his character to see it via on his sixth match level after a deciding set that lasted longer than the primary two mixed.

This is now his greatest profession efficiency at a French Open. Alcaraz had reached the quarter-finals in 2022 earlier than shedding to Alexander Zverev. But he’s a totally totally different prospect 12 months on and Tsitsipas – a two-time Slam finalist – merely couldn’t stay together with his youthful opponent on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Djokovic will face Alcaraz within the remaining 4 on Friday after dropping his first set of the event to Khachanov. The Serb added: “It’s always the end of the tournament to have even bigger challenges and players that have possessed a great quality that can win a set or two off you, and that’s what happened today. So I take it as a really positive thing.

“I’ll analyse my sport from as we speak with my group, and be higher ready for the subsequent one, as a result of I undoubtedly have to have a greater begin within the semis.” The different semi-final pairing can be selected Wednesday. Zverev, the twenty second seed, faces Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry whereas Holger Rune takes on Casper Ruud within the different last-eight match.