Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion, defeated Jannik Sinner 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3) to advance to the French Open final against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
On Friday night on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Djokovic, the men’s record 24-time Grand Slam champion, was unable to counter Sinner’s unwavering accuracy and pounding forehands.
After Adriano Panatta, the 1976 champion, Adriano Panatta, Sinner was the only other Italian man to reach the Roland-Garros final.
When the eighth-seeded Italian retired with a leg injury, Alcaraz had previously led 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0.
Sinner wants to win his fifth major title, Alcaraz, while Sinner wants his fourth.
Djokovic fought back in the third set before fading in the tiebreaker, skipping a quick shot from the net to tie the game, and then lost the match point when his forehand hit the net.
Sinner remarked, “These are exceptional and special moments.” “I’m very happy”.
After winning the US Open and the Australian Open, he extended his winning streak to 20 matches.
Djokovic was competing for a 38th Grand Slam title, his eighth in Paris, where he had already won three titles. However, he spent the majority of the semifinal camping out behind the baseline, sliding over at full stretch and yelling loudly as Sinner hurriedly left and right like a windshield wiper.
In the ninth game of the third set, Sinner executed a cross-court two-handed backhand winner with such flawless timing that even Djokovic applauded it.
Sinner hardly had any chances for him to break Sinner’s serve, but there did seem to be a moment of hope in the tenth game when Djokovic had four chances.
Nole! screams the crowd for a while before they broke out. Nole”! at 15-40 as Djokovic forced two break points.
Sinner saved both. The tensions were rising.
When a few rowdy fans yelled out as Sinner prepared to serve, telling the offenders to “Chut”!, the crowd started self-policing. (French for shush)
On his third break-point chance, Djokovic’s forehand deflected wide, making it a deuce. Damien Dumusois, the chair umpire, came down to check the mark. It was on the line, Djokovic said, and he turned around and walked over.
Source: Aljazeera
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