Novak Djokovic advanced to the French Open semi-finals against Carlos Alcaraz after defeating Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2, 6-4 on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the French Open semi-finals after defeating Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2, 6-4 on Tuesday. Djokovic, pursuing a third French Open victory and a record 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles trophy, proceeded to his 45th major semi-final and 12th at Roland Garros. For a spot in Sunday’s title match, he will face either world number one Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom he defeated from a set down in the 2021 final.
Djokovic lost his opening set of the event, but controlled the second-set tie-break against Khachanov before putting his foot down to record his ninth victory in ten encounters with the Russian 11th seed. “I think he was the better player for most of the first two sets,” Djokovic remarked.
“I was having trouble finding my groove.” I started the match slowly, then played a brilliant tie-break and then played a couple levels higher from then on.
“It’s a big fight, as you’d expect in the quarterfinals.” You won’t get your successes given to you; you’ll have to work for them.”
Djokovic increased his Roland Garros record to 90-16 by denying Khachanov a place in his third consecutive Grand Slam semi-final. If he wins the title in Paris, he will reclaim the top spot.
Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic advanced to the French Open semi-finals for the first time on Tuesday, defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets. The world number 43 defeated the 333rd-ranked Russian, who finished second in Paris in 2021, 7-5, 6-2.
Muchova, who reached the Australian Open semi-finals two years ago, will play either world number two Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
