TENNIS – WORLD number one Jannik Sinner defeated record-chasing Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 7-6(3) in a clash of generations yesterday to set up a blockbuster French Open final showdown with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Playing a younger, modern version of himself, the 38-year-old Djokovic looked every bit his age for a while on Court Philippe Chatrier as Sinner used his blistering forehand to send the Serbian chasing the ball left, right and centre.
But the former Serbian world number one, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, showed he thrived on the grandest stage and threatened a comeback only to miss three set points in the third.
The Italian, who recently came back from a doping ban, stood firm in the tiebreak and wrapped up the contest on his second match point.
He will face a sterner test in tomorrow’s final against Alcaraz, who advanced when his semi-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired injured at the beginning of the fourth set.
Djokovic needed medical attention for an issue with his upper left leg before the third set.
Musetti also needed treatment for a thigh problem at the end of the third set and it quickly became apparent he would struggle to continue.
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