MAIM, SET AND MATCH

Champion Alcaraz into final as Musetti retires with thigh injury after threatening upset

- BY ARCHIE GRIGGS

CARLOS ALCARAZ survived an early scare to book his place in tomorrow's French Open final.

The Spaniard, the defending champion at Roland Garros, lost the first set against Lorenzo Musetti and needed a tie-break to win the second before taking control.

And his Italian opponent, so impressive en route to the semi-final, had to retire when 2-0 down in the fourth set - after losing the third 6-0 - because of a thigh injury (left).

The two players exchanged a warm embrace at the net and Musetti received a standing ovation as he trudged off the court.