French Open: Novak Djokovic in ‘perfect position’ to take on Carlos Alcaraz in ‘big fight’ – Corretja

Eurosport’s Alex Corretja has given his views ahead of the mouthwatering semi-final clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 French Open on Friday afternoon.

The head-to-head between the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion Djokovic and the world No. 1 from Spain has been marked in tennis fans’ diaries since the draw was announced, and Corretja is sure that it is going to deliver.

“Since the very first day we’ve been waiting for that match,” Corretja told Eurosport ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.

“It’s always very difficult when you have such high expectations; if it doesn’t happen you might be disappointed.

“Both players are playing well. Carlitos was very impressive against Tsitsipas, and Novak was smart enough maybe not to burn out before the tournament.

“Djokovic improved his level throughout the tournament, and now I think he’s going to arrive at the semis in the perfect position to be ready for what is going to be a big fight.

“I think he has on his mind that he wants to achieve more Grand Slams, so how do you get in the best possible shape? That is what I think he did.

“It’s a little bit risky, but when you have the experience as Djokovic does, and when you’re as good as Novak Djokovic is, you can do that.”

On the other men’s semi-final between Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, Corretja wondered if having the form of reaching the showpiece match last year may aid the Norwegian.

“Both players got to the semis in very good shape, and both might feel like they have a chance,” he said.

“Sasha has been improving so much at this tournament, but Casper was in the final last year so he might have confidence coming back.”

Alcaraz’s outrageously strong 6-2 6-1 7-6(5) victory over Tsitsipas on Tuesday impressed fellow Eurosport expert Mats Wilander as he gave his views on the upcoming last-four clash.

“Carlos Alcaraz has lit the professional tennis world on fire,” Wilander noted. “People are talking about him more and more. Tactically, he has been incredible without losing his identity on the tennis court.

“Sitting watching him live is incredible. He comes from nowhere and smacks the forehand so hard that it’s nearly a lack of respect for the game itself. He’s okay with people routing for the other guy as we all just want to see more of Carlitos.

“I actually can’t believe he said his confidence is very high, that’s incredible. He is playing Novak Djokovic next and is coming out with these words! It’s different playing someone you’ve beaten a few times before, but they haven’t played that many times.

“It’s just incredible. He is superhuman. There is hope for mankind when you see an athlete like Carlos Alcaraz.”

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On June 10 and 11 strap yourself in for a live sport rollercoaster ride. With the finals of Roland-Garros, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Speedway Grand Prix, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the Criterium du Dauphine, MotoGP and the Champions League final, it’s the Weekend of Champions live on Eurosport, discovery+ and BT Sport.