PARIS: Novak Djokovic defeated an ailing Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 on Friday to become the second oldest men’s finalist in French Open history and close in on a record 23rd Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, a two-time Roland Garros champion, will break the record he shares with Rafael Nadal for the most men’s Grand Slam titles if he beats Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.
The 36-year-old Serb can also eclipse Nadal as the tournament’s oldest winner and regain the number one ranking from Alcaraz, who was severely limited by cramp in the last two sets.
“First and foremost I have to say tough luck for Carlos, because at this level the last thing you want is cramp, physical problems at the last stages of Grand Slam,” said Djokovic.
“I feel for him, I feel sorry and I hope he can recover.”
Alcaraz’s physical struggles drained the suspense as he gamely fought to carry on after a thrilling first two sets, with Djokovic dominating the opener before the Spaniard levelled in the second.
The 20-year-old pulled up clutching his right calf as Djokovic held serve for 1-1 in the third set, effectively giving his rival the next game rather than struggle through to the changeover.
Alcaraz was a shadow of the unshakeable, all-action player who began the match, his movement heavily restricted as Djokovic breezed through the rest of the set.
He returned for the fourth set after a bathroom break looking somewhat more mobile, but after Djokovic saved a break point in the opening game any lingering resistance from Alcaraz subsided.
Djokovic beats cramping Alcaraz to reach French Open final
https://arab.news/wjvzq
Djokovic beats cramping Alcaraz to reach French Open final
- Djokovic will break the record he shares with Rafael Nadal for the most men's Grand Slam titles if he beats Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final
- The 36-year-old Serb can also eclipse Nadal as the tournament's oldest winner and regain the number one ranking from Alcaraz
Djokovic quits players’ union he co-founded
- Djokovic: After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association
- The action also highlighted the “unsustainable schedule” for players, with tournaments scheduled 11 months out of 12 by both the men’s ATP¨and women’s WTA
PARIS: Novak Djokovic announced on Sunday he was leaving the professional players’ union he co-founded in 2020, citing “concerns regarding transparency and governance” within the body.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded by the current world No. 4 and Canadian Vasek Pospisil, took legal action in March 2025 against tennis governing bodies, denouncing “anti-competitive restraints and abusive practices.”
The action also highlighted the “unsustainable schedule” for players, with tournaments scheduled 11 months out of 12 by both the men’s ATP¨and women’s WTA.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic posted on social media.
“This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.
“I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice — but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”
The 38-year-old 24-time Grand Slam winner said he will “continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity.”
Djokovic is aiming for a record-breaking 25th major title at the upcoming Australian Open and will next take part in the ATP event in Adelaide from Jan. 12-17 as part of his preparations for the start of the new season.
