The Parisian clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier witnessed a mix of grit and unfortunate circumstances in the first men’s semi-final today. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his second Roland-Garros final, but not without a significant challenge from Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who ultimately retired due to injury.
Musetti’s strong start
For much of the opening two sets, it was Musetti who dictated the pace. His elegant play and sharp movement kept Alcaraz on the back foot. The young Spaniard, typically a force of nature, seemed off-kilter early on, struggling to find rhythm. Musetti capitalised, securing the first set 6-4 after a crucial break of serve. Spectators and commentators alike noted Alcaraz’s unusual jitters, with insights from Jim Courier and Andre Agassi highlighting his difficulty in settling into the match.
Momentum shift in the tie-break
The second set intensified, with both players trading blows. Musetti’s ability to immediately break back after Alcaraz snagged two breaks showcased his determination to stay in the fight. The turning point arrived in the tie-break. It was here that Alcaraz’s renowned power and precision finally ignited. He surged ahead, displaying the explosive tennis that has made him a fan favourite, ultimately taking the tie-break to level the match at one set apiece.
Injury strikes Musetti
With newfound momentum, Alcaraz transformed the match. He dominated the third set, reeling off five consecutive games as Musetti began to visibly struggle. A right hamstring strain became evident, prompting the Italian to seek the trainer’s attention. Though he continued, the injury hampered his movement, and Alcaraz quickly secured the set 6-0.
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The defending champion’s relentless pressure continued into the fourth set, and after two games, Musetti made the difficult decision to retire, bringing a premature and poignant end to his impressive clay-court season.
Alcaraz expressed his empathy for Musetti, acknowledging his opponent’s strong performance throughout the clay season and wishing him a swift recovery. He also shared how winning that critical second set provided the relief he needed to play more freely and assertively.
Sinner Takes Early Command vs Djokovic
The second men’s semi-final on Court Philippe-Chatrier is shaping up to be an enthralling encounter, with Jannik Sinner making a powerful statement by taking a two-sets-to-love lead against the legendary Novak Djokovic.
Sinner’s control in breezy conditions
Sinner started strong, capturing the first set 6-4. He secured a crucial break in the fifth game and then held his serve with remarkable confidence, not facing a single break point throughout the opener. The Italian’s composure in the breezy conditions was evident, signalling his intent from the outset.
Second-set marathon
The second set proved to be a marathon, lasting a gruelling 69 minutes and showcasing both players’ resilience. Sinner served for the set at 5-4, but Djokovic, known for his incredible fighting spirit, dug deep. He managed to create and convert a break point, levelling the score at 5-5 and igniting the crowd’s hopes for a comeback. However, Sinner’s response was immediate and decisive; he broke Djokovic again and then navigated a challenging service game to put himself two sets up.
Djokovic in visible discomfort
As the third set gets underway, the tension is palpable, not just for the match’s outcome but for Djokovic’s well-being. Immediately after losing the second set, the Serbian called for a medical timeout, receiving attention for his upper left leg. He’s visibly struggling, and Sinner, maintaining his focus, is now serving for the match. The weight of this moment is immense, with Sinner just games away from his first Roland-Garros final against a hobbled, yet formidable, opponent. Djokovic currently leads in the second set 2 games to 1.
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