The result of the Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz match and the latest updates from the semi-finals

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Good afternoon, and welcome to the live coverage of the first men’s French Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic, who started the year by winning the Australian Open, with his 24th slam title, and Carlos Alcaraz, who capped off last year by winning his first tournament match. US Open Championship.

Alcaraz, “the most complete 20-year-old I’ve ever seen” according to John McEnroe, made very short work of Stefanos Tsitsipas at 6-2, 6-1. 7-6 victory, using that incredible array of shots to drive his opponent to distraction, especially with his massive forehand shot. He’s the number one seed and favorite who, despite Djokovic’s track record, relishes the fight and his undiminished ability to liken a giant octopus that wrestles all comers to a chokehold at the end.

“He undoubtedly deserves his success,” said Djokovic of Alcaraz. “He works hard and he’s a very complete player already and he’s only 20. So we only played once in Madrid last year, 7-6 in the third for him. Most tournaments this year we haven’t been in the same draw but here we are.

“This is the match a lot of people want to see. It’s definitely my biggest challenge so far in the tournament. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He’s definitely a guy to beat here. I’m looking forward to it.”

Both reached the semi-finals dropping just one set, but it was Alcaraz who was the most impressive, having spent three and a half hours less than Djokovic in his five matches so far.

Chico Murcian has spoken of his excitement at finally playing with Djokovic again after their solo meeting last year, which he narrowly won at the Madrid Open, 67, 7-5, 7-6. He said, “Since the draw was drawn, everyone was expecting that match, the semi-final against Novak. Me too. I really want to play that match. Since last year I really wanted to play again against Novak. We both play at a great level. I’m going to enjoy it.”

“Of course, for me, it’s amazing to make history, to play a semi-final with a legend like Novak. So it’s going to be a great match for me. I would say the match we played last year doesn’t make much impact on this match. We both learned a lot from that match.” So it will be completely different, and let’s see what happens on Friday.”

We’re about to find out.

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