Sinner Sinks Djokovic to Set Up Final Clash Against Alcaraz

Sinner praises Djokovic, hopes retirement rumors false, calls him inspiring

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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner notched a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) triumph against three-time champion Novak Djokovic in a heavyweight semifinal clash at the French Open on Friday, and will meet defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Djokovic, the men's record 24-time Grand Slam champion, was overwhelmed by Sinner's power and precision from the baseline and on serve on Court Philippe-Chatrier, reports Xinhua.

Sinner became only the second Italian man to reach the final at Roland-Garros after Adriano Panatta, the 1976 champion.

"It was such a special occasion for me, playing against Novak in the semifinal of a Grand Slam," said Sinner. "It's just amazing, and I had to step up and play the best tennis I could. I'm very happy how I handled the situation, but this shows again what a role model he is for all of us and especially for us young players."

"What he is doing is incredible and I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. I think we are all very lucky to see him playing such high-level tennis, it's amazing."

In the first set, Sinner performed more steadily, taking the opening set 6-4 with a break in the fifth game.

Djokovic started stronger in the second, but it was Sinner who broke first for a 5-3 lead. Djokovic held serve in the ninth game and then broke Sinner's serve in the 10th game while serving for the set, leveling the score at 5-5.

Sinner stayed composed and secured another break, eventually taking the second set 7-5.

Both players delivered top-level tennis in the third set, which ultimately went into a tense tiebreak. Sinner proved to be more clutch in the decisive moments, winning the tiebreak 7-3.