Novak Djokovic reaches his seventh French Open final with four-set win over Carlos Alcaraz
Daily Mail Novak Djokovic stands on the brink of his 23rd Grand Slam title after Carlos Alcaraz wilted in the face of the immense challenge he presents in Grand Slams.
The 20 year-old Spaniard succumbed 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 in their much-anticipated French Open semi-final after a severe attack of cramp early in the third set removed his ability to compete properly.
Djokovic was left awaiting the winner of the second match between Alex Zverev and Casper Ruud and is sure to be the favourite for Sunday.
It was a sad end to a match which had previously often lived up to its billing, at least in terms of some sensational points played.
Ultimately this will have been brought about by both the physical nature of the match and the mental pressure felt by Alcaraz, especially after a see-sawing second set. In early April at the Miami Open he was also afflicted by cramping in the semi-finals.
His time will come, but for now Djokovic remains the supreme battler, who understands so well the rhythms and demands of a best of five set match.
