Djokovic and Alcaraz contested one of the vital highly-anticipated matches of the season on Friday. But after two hours of brilliance, there was a disappointing finish when the highest seed started cramping badly at 1-1 and forfeited a game to receive treatment.

The Serb went on to win in 4 units as Alcaraz managed to win only one extra recreation after the cramps set in. And talking after the match, Djokovic claimed that it was one of many few events the place he wasn’t the choose to win.

“He was the favourite, I even said it before the tournament, nothing strange or unexpected about that,” the world No 3 instructed Serbian reporters, per Tennis Majors. “Maybe he felt the extra pressure and nervousness, it was the first time he was the favourite against me, which probably contributed to him cramping.”

Despite having 22 Majors to his identify - two at Roland Garros - Djokovic defined why he thought that Alcaraz was the favorite over himself. And he stated it was a refreshing expertise.

He continued: “He played extremely well in his first five matches here, he had a better clay season than me, so it made sense for him to be the favourite. I accepted that role – for a change, not being the favourite was refreshing and it took some pressure off. It rarely happens, but it happened today.”