By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesdsay June 5, 2024
Paris –Rivalry renewed!
Sadness lingered in Paris on Wednesday, when news of Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal hit the press. The three-time champion, who was forced to pull out with a knee injury, was certainly the main attraction on the men’s side this year, but the show must go on without him.
And when it comes to the show, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have a knack for getting fans excited about the future of the sport. And so it will be once again on Friday when the pair meet for a ninth time, with a spot in Sunday’s final on the line.
Alcaraz delivered a 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Tuesday, to reach the final four in Paris for the second consecutive year.
“It’s always special being able to play a semifinal in a Grand Slam,” Alcaraz said. “I’m really, really excited to play Friday against Jannik again. It’s a really difficult challenge. I’m ready for that. Hopefully everyone is going to enjoy that match as much as I’m going to do it.”
Alcaraz defeated Sinner in their lone meeting in 2024, in the Indian Wells semifinals, to level the all-time head-to-head between the pair at four victories apiece.
The pair’s rivalry has become known for electricity, with points played at breakneck speed, characterized by an improbable level of tennis.
Earlier on Tuesday Sinner defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(3) to reach his maiden semifinal on the Parisian clay. The 22-year-old also learned that he will become the ATP’s No.1 on Monday, as Djokovic needed to reach at least the final to have a chance of holding on to the top ranking.
It’s one of a long list of remarkable achievements for Sinner, who won his maiden major title at this year’s Australian Open. He will be the first Italian to ever hold the No.1 ranking.
Alcaraz told reporters that he cherishes their battles, even if Sinner presents difficult challenges for him.
“Everything he does, he does it perfectly,” Alcaraz said. “The way that he hits the ball is unbelievable. The way he moves, it’s really, really well. He pushes you to the limit in every ball, in every point. I think it is the hardest thing to face Jannik.
“At the same time I love that. I love these kinds of matches. I love this kind of challenge to have a really difficult battle against him. The previous matches that we’ve played I think it was like that, and I love that.”
Alcaraz and Sinner have met just once on…
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