The matchup many would have dreamed could happen at the 2023 French Open has become a reality, as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will square off against each other.
The pair are looking to book their place in the final of the season’s second Grand Slam, but they face a challenging prospect in one another. It could be argued that the protege will come up against the master when they take to the court on June 9.
It is a contest that is likely to be seen across the tennis world in future more often, but fans have already been able to witness it once beforehand. If the previous meeting was anything to go by, then there is certainly a lot to be excited about.
Alcaraz managed to beat Djokovic in that clash at the Madrid Open on clay, which may provide punters who are looking to use a bonus casino offer that can be combined with a sportsbook option with an interesting proposition. In that match, the Spaniard managed to win 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5).
A lot on the line for both
Aside from the fact that the contest is for a place in the final, there is no doubt that several storylines can be followed in this semifinal clash between two of tennis’ superstars.
Alcaraz is the World’s No. 1 now and will be looking to solidify his status as the best player on the tour by defeating one of the all-time greats. The Spaniard will also be looking to add another Grand Slam to his cabinet, with the 2022 US Open having been claimed. He missed the 2023 Australian Open through injury, so he could potentially make it back-to-back successes in the biggest tournaments.
It can be easy to forget at this stage that Alcaraz is still only 20 years old, given the success that he has managed to achieve. However, he does appear to be the future of the sport and one that is capable of being the best to have ever played the game if he continues with the same trajectory.
On the flip side, Djokovic has been there and done it all. The 36-year-old is one of the most accomplished players in the history of the game and will be looking to make sure he becomes THE most accomplished.
If he wins the 2023 French Open, it would be a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, edging past Spaniard Rafael Nadal, with whom he currently shares the record. Moreover, a win in the final – should he progress – would make the Serbian return to the World No. 1 ranking, while he is aiming to reach his seventh final in the last eight majors, which has included six title wins.
What will happen in Alcaraz vs Djokovic?
Given the status of this match, there will be many tennis fans that will be looking to try and make their predictions about what might happen on the red clay when the pair compete against each other on June 9.
It would appear to be anyone’s game at this moment. Both have been impressive throughout the tournament. The Serbian required an extra set to win in his quarterfinal compared to Alcaraz, but with the experience that he has, that may not play a role, despite being 16 years older than his rival.