Djokovic vs Alcaraz LIVE stream: French Open 2023 latest tennis scores, updates and results

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open hopes were hobbled by cramp as Novak Djokovic moved through to a 34th grand slam final in anti-climactic fashion.

Alcaraz had just won an electrifying second set to level the hugely anticipated match and looked like he might be grabbing the ascendancy when, after hitting a forehand, his right leg seized up.

The 20-year-old initially appeared unable to move but eventually limped back to his seat and was forced to forfeit a service game in order to have treatment.

The crowd loudly jeered when they realised the game had been awarded to Djokovic but that was the least of Alcaraz’s troubles, with the Spaniard, who had been wowing Philippe Chatrier with his incredible movement and dynamism, reduced to little more than walking.

He opted not to retire but could offer little challenge to Djokovic thereafter and won only one more game, with the Serbian completing a 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 victory to move through to his seventh final on the Parisian clay.

Report by Eleanor Crooks in Paris

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 Carlos Alcaraz

So Djokovic will face either Alexander Zverev or Casper Ruud in the French Open final, with those players meeting in the second semi-final next.

Zverev has one grand slam final appearance – losing to Dominic Thiem in 2020.

Ruud has two finals – losing to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros last year, and then Alcaraz in last season’s US Open.

Djokovic will be the huge favourite whoever it is.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 Carlos Alcaraz

“We were both at our physical limit at the end of the second set. We went toe-to-toe, it was an even match. Then this thing happened with his cramps and from that moment it was a different match. I could see he was struggling but I had to concentrate on my own game. Again, respect to him, I hope he comes back quickly.

“The first set and a half I was playing really well. Then the end of the second he was playing better and he deserved to win. I was playing aggressive and taking the ball early. I know he is a player who plays this style so I had to match that and do it better. It was exhausting. But I’m very proud to reach another French Open final. I’m very happy.”

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 Carlos Alcaraz

“First and foremost I have to say tough luck for Carlos, obviously. At this level, the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems in the late stages of a Grand Slam. I feel for him, I feel sorry. I hope he can recover and come back very soon.

“It’s tough, obviously, for him not to know whether to retire [from] the match or finish the match the way he did. But congratulations to him for fighting spirit and hanging in all the way to the last point. Respect for that. Great respect.

“I told him at the net he has time and he will win this tournament many, many times.”

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 Carlos Alcaraz

There’s a warm embrace between the players at the end, neither of them wanted it to end like this.

Djokovic is booed by some of the crowd, which is odd. It’s not his fault Alcaraz was injured.

There are some cheers of ‘Nole, Nole’ as he comes out to do his post-match interview.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 Carlos Alcaraz

There it is. Djokovic’s serve has been outstanding all day and although Alcaraz was able to save the first of three match points, the Spaniard nets on the slide.

Djokovic is through to his seventh French Open final and moves a step closer to a men’s record 23rd grand slam title.

But that doesn’t tell the full story. This was such a thrilling contest until Alcaraz’s injury. It’s such a shame we didn’t get a proper conclusion.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 5-1 Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz gets a game in the fourth! The Spaniard is still able to reach a drop shot from Djokovic and wins an entertaining net exchange, but it feels like it is only delaying the inevitable.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 5-0 Carlos Alcaraz*

Djokovic smacks down an ace and yells in celebration, which is booed by the crowd. Alcaraz is still able to win a couple of net exchanges with a delicate pass around Djokovic, but the Serbian replies with another ace to take the game away from Alcaraz. Another ace seals it.

*Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 4-0 Carlos Alcaraz

Djokovic is doing exactly what’s need to be done at this point, which is continuing to drag Alcaraz out of position. The Spaniard is unable to get round the ball in the usual way on the run and a series of errors hands Djokovic another break. That’s eight games in a row now.

Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-7 6-1 3-0 Carlos Alcaraz*

Djokovic hangs a lob up and although Alcaraz can scurry back, he can’t get over the ball to get the smash over the net. Then Djokovic drags Alcaraz out wide to the forehand, but the 20-year-old is unable to return the ball down the line.

The movement is better, but it’s nowhere good enough for Alcaraz to play his usual game. The match is now slipping away.