Serbian 22-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, will face Spanish world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, in the French Open 2023 men’s semi-finals on Friday.
Both men will finally square off at a Grand Slam despite being at different stages of their careers and in identically superb shape.
“That’s the match that a lot of people want to see,” said 36-year-old Djokovic. The Serb is bidding for a third French Open title and a men’s record 23rd major.
“It’s definitely the biggest challenge for me so far in the tournament,” said Djokovic, who won the Roland Garros title in 2016 and 2021.
“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 that.”
Alcaraz, 20, won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September and is contesting his maiden semi-final on the Paris clay.
“Since the draw came out, everyone was expecting that match. Myself as well. I have really wanted to play this match,” Alcaraz said.
The pair have long been considered the main contenders to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires on Sunday.
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But the fine form of Djokovic and Alcaraz – both dropping just one set so far – has ensured the blockbuster semi-final will take place.
While the pair’s results at Roland Garros this year have been similarly superb, there is a huge gulf between them in terms of career experience.
Djokovic is appearing in his 45th major semi-final, with only Roger Federer (46) playing more, and the Serb is aiming to eclipse Nadal as the oldest French Open men’s champion.
Alcaraz, who turned 20 at the start of May, would become the youngest Roland Garros finalist since a 20-year-old Nadal won the title in 2006, and hopes youth will be a bigger factor than pedigree.
Whoever wins in the last four will be favourite to beat the victor of Friday’s other semi-final between Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud and Germany’s 22nd seed Alexander Zverev.
