OK, here we go, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz vs. 36-year-old Novak Djokovic at the French Open. I haven’t been this excited for a tennis match in a long, long time — maybe ever.
Alcaraz: Young, brilliant, joyful, a force of nature.
Djokovic: Masterful, legendary, resilient, perhaps the best of all time.
This is spring and winter, and nobody knows what will happen. Alcaraz, incredibly, is the betting favorite. You can understand it — he’s playing better than anyone in the world and doing things that seem next level even from the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era. But Djokovic seems to be the choice of the top analysts — how can you bet against a 22-time grand slam champion?
This is going to be so much fun. And throughout the match, I’ll write what’s going through my mind. Let’s get started!.
I am working, and wouldn't have been able to watch anyway, but from many of the comments it seems like the match was only on whatever the Tennis Channel is, rather than NBC or ESPN or something? A semifinal match for one of the majors is only on some fairly minor channel/service???
It has been years since I’ve been interested in tennis, but your enthusiasm and anticipation, Joe, and the active involvement of those in the thread drew me in. Loved the contrast between the “old” warhorse and the shining newcomer. Almost a Greek (or Spanish) tragedy, how it turned out. Wouldn’t you think the older player would succumb to physical limitations? But if Alcaraz goes in to a legendary career, won’t this make a beguiling introduction? Thanks for the unexpected sporting, and literary, treat!
I was a perennial Rafa Fan. His energy and intensity was phenomenal. His pure joy of the challenge and the competition was like Borg in his prime. He was also a true sportsman. Alcarraz is Rafa's diciple. He trained at his academy and clearly has the Nadal flair and skill. He is clearly the top of the new order as the "Big Three" slowly retire". Tennis is incredibly hard on the body. It's remarkable to see these guys remain at the highest levels for so long. Imagine the records that could have been had none of them lost entire seasons to injuries.
Wish Alcaraz didn't cramp but there is still a certain type of greatness visible in the fact that Novak is 36 years old, puts himself in the best possible physical position ahead of every match, and then executes.
Well, it ends as a bummer but we got two beautiful sets anyway. And now Djokovic goes to the final to try to win his 23rd major championship. He is also trying to become the first male to become a THREE TIME career grand slam winner. He's already the only male in the open era to become a two-time grand slam winner. ... Final score, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
And Alcaraz wins a game ... I wouldn't say Djokovic "threw" that game but he didn't seem especially interested in winning it. He will now serve for the match with new tennis balls.
Djokovic is really pumping himself up after almost every point ... and the crowd doesn't like it. But here's what I think is happening -- I think Djokovic is just trying to motivate himself to finish the job. This is a whole different kind of challenge from what he was expecting. He has to put away a badly wounded player, and there's nothing pretty or enjoyable or admirable about that. You just have to get the job done. And so I think he's telling himself that again and again.
And now it's 3-0 Djokovic ... probably just academic at this point. What a shame. The first two sets were supernatural. But here's the hard truth: A big part of tennis, especially clay court tennis, is enduring. The young Djokovic retired multiple times (losing respect from Federer, among others) and he remade his body and turned himself into the Novak we know. Carlitos will be faced with that challenge going forward.
I guess the one good thing about this is it seems like Alcaraz should be able to recover and get himself into shape in time for a Wimbledon or US Open rematch this year?
Alcaraz can still hit shots but he can't move. Against a mortal he still might have a chance. Against Novak he is done. although as Joe mentioned, Novak is clearly bothered by the fact that the match is ending this way after playing at such a high level through 2 sets.
Djokovic continues to look unsure how to play on in this match against a wounded Alcaraz. He angrily hit the dirt with his racket after the lines person missed a call. And he has tried a couple of drop shots and missed both badly. It has to be so weird to be in a match that was so intense and at such a high level and then suddenly it turns into him facing a desperate opponent who goes for broke on every shot. He's shouting out after every point. Djokovic faced two break points but won the first game.
Hmm, thinking about Joker's character, I wonder if he'd throw this set, nice and slow and easy, allow for recovery, and then the fifth would be an all-out fight. Not saying he should, just a thought experiment.
As testament to the tenacity/relentlessness of Djokovic throughout his career, if the roles were reversed, and Djokovic were the one cramping down one set to two, I'd almost be willing to bet he'd come back to win the next two sets.
Let's be honest -- even with the five minute treatment at the end of the set (Djokovic has now won the set 6-1), it's unlikely that Alcaraz can make a full recovery. We will hope for it, dream about it, but realistically with the weather in the high 80s, those cramps are probably not going anywhere. It's heartbreaking but it really will take something of a miracle for Alcaraz to come back. Of course, he is a miraculous guy ... let's hope.
How much time does he get at the end of the set for treatment?
So, here's what happens from here. Alcaraz is down 4-1. He's still competing but probably should not be ... as Jim Courier says, he has no chance to win this set so he should essentially thrown these next two games, get to the end of the set and then go for treatment. He will get five minutes once he gets into the side room, which, you know, that could help a lot.
McEnroe suggested he should have "made something up" to get treatment and implied that happens a lot (I have no idea). I do wonder how much a 19 year old might have just gone balls to the wall and now that he's having trouble, not know the little tricks (like not trying so hard on a lost cause) to make it back.
Djokovic, it must be said, clearly hates that this is happening. He came over to help when he first realized what was happening, and he looks a little bit unsure of how to go forward while Alcaraz tries to recover. There are a lot of things you can say about Djokovic -- I think we all know that -- but he's has always been an incredible sportsman and generous opponent. Alcaraz is swinging away, just trying to hit winners, and Djokovic takes the game. He's up 3-1. Alcaraz seems to be thinking he will lose this set and, hopefully, recover.
And now it's 2-1 Djokovic in the third set, and Alcaraz still looks like he can't really move. The crowd is booing, but this is how it works -- you can't take a medical timeout for cramps. It's considered a conditioning issue.
Oh oh. Big problem here -- serious cramping situation with Alcaraz. The set is 1-1, but Alcaraz can barely walk. He has two options -- he can try to play through it (not an option, apparently) or he can sit down and concede points, which is what it looks like he is going to do. He's going to get the leg worked on while the points are conceded. What a shame this is.
Hmm, Novak struggles in his service game but holds. But Carlos is suddenly cramping, this is where Novak's fitness gets underestimated. Despite Carlito's youth, its not a given he is more fit.
FanDuel has Alcaraz as a pretty clear favorite now, which makes a lot of sense -- he's so much younger and he seems to be getting stronger. But Djokovic is one of the best five-set players ever. This is what we came for.
I’ll start by saying that I don’t like front runners. My favorite player as a kid was Andy Roddick and now it’s Casper Ruud. So I’ve been slow to warm to Alcaraz from the moment he was hyped as the next big thing. But this match is making me a fan. To see this level of shotmaking against Djokovic is unreal. And, most endearingly of all, he looks like he’s having the best time out there.
And Carlos takes the second set with a clear break at love -- Djokovic missed an easy volley on the first point and never recovered. It's one set all and the match is only just beginning ... almost two hours in!
OK, this match is officially getting ridiculous. Every single point ends with some ridiculous, miraculous shot. Alcaraz seems to run down shots that nobody -- not even Nadal or Djoker himself -- could run down. And Djokovic's ability to see two shots ahead is unparalleled; the guy "guesses" right seemingly every time. And now they're both playing so well, running down so many shots, that it feels like they're breaking tennis. Utterly incredible. It's deuce on Carlos' serve, 5-5.
Wasn't Substack Chat or whatever supposed to be for just this kind of format?
I am working, and wouldn't have been able to watch anyway, but from many of the comments it seems like the match was only on whatever the Tennis Channel is, rather than NBC or ESPN or something? A semifinal match for one of the majors is only on some fairly minor channel/service???
It has been years since I’ve been interested in tennis, but your enthusiasm and anticipation, Joe, and the active involvement of those in the thread drew me in. Loved the contrast between the “old” warhorse and the shining newcomer. Almost a Greek (or Spanish) tragedy, how it turned out. Wouldn’t you think the older player would succumb to physical limitations? But if Alcaraz goes in to a legendary career, won’t this make a beguiling introduction? Thanks for the unexpected sporting, and literary, treat!
I was a perennial Rafa Fan. His energy and intensity was phenomenal. His pure joy of the challenge and the competition was like Borg in his prime. He was also a true sportsman. Alcarraz is Rafa's diciple. He trained at his academy and clearly has the Nadal flair and skill. He is clearly the top of the new order as the "Big Three" slowly retire". Tennis is incredibly hard on the body. It's remarkable to see these guys remain at the highest levels for so long. Imagine the records that could have been had none of them lost entire seasons to injuries.
Alcaraz lost because of ..... hydration? Ah, youth!
Wish Alcaraz didn't cramp but there is still a certain type of greatness visible in the fact that Novak is 36 years old, puts himself in the best possible physical position ahead of every match, and then executes.
Thanks joe this was fun!
It's a shame that the crowd booed Djokovic at the end, by the way. They're booing him because he DID NOT cramp? Ridiculous.
It's France - they're booing him because he's not Jerry Lewis.
Ooh la lady!
What could he have possibly done differently?
Well, it ends as a bummer but we got two beautiful sets anyway. And now Djokovic goes to the final to try to win his 23rd major championship. He is also trying to become the first male to become a THREE TIME career grand slam winner. He's already the only male in the open era to become a two-time grand slam winner. ... Final score, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
Doesn’t Nadal have two career grand slams also?
He does after his Australian win last year.
Joe just forgot.
And Alcaraz wins a game ... I wouldn't say Djokovic "threw" that game but he didn't seem especially interested in winning it. He will now serve for the match with new tennis balls.
Djokovic is now up 5-0. He has won 10 straight games since the cramps hit Alcaraz.
Djokovic is really pumping himself up after almost every point ... and the crowd doesn't like it. But here's what I think is happening -- I think Djokovic is just trying to motivate himself to finish the job. This is a whole different kind of challenge from what he was expecting. He has to put away a badly wounded player, and there's nothing pretty or enjoyable or admirable about that. You just have to get the job done. And so I think he's telling himself that again and again.
Interesting twist in what was a spectacular duel between old & new guard.
And now it's 3-0 Djokovic ... probably just academic at this point. What a shame. The first two sets were supernatural. But here's the hard truth: A big part of tennis, especially clay court tennis, is enduring. The young Djokovic retired multiple times (losing respect from Federer, among others) and he remade his body and turned himself into the Novak we know. Carlitos will be faced with that challenge going forward.
I guess the one good thing about this is it seems like Alcaraz should be able to recover and get himself into shape in time for a Wimbledon or US Open rematch this year?
Alcaraz can still hit shots but he can't move. Against a mortal he still might have a chance. Against Novak he is done. although as Joe mentioned, Novak is clearly bothered by the fact that the match is ending this way after playing at such a high level through 2 sets.
While Alcaraz looks a bit better, it's only a little bit ... he still can't move. Djokovic breaks and is up 2-0,.
Djokovic continues to look unsure how to play on in this match against a wounded Alcaraz. He angrily hit the dirt with his racket after the lines person missed a call. And he has tried a couple of drop shots and missed both badly. It has to be so weird to be in a match that was so intense and at such a high level and then suddenly it turns into him facing a desperate opponent who goes for broke on every shot. He's shouting out after every point. Djokovic faced two break points but won the first game.
Hmm, thinking about Joker's character, I wonder if he'd throw this set, nice and slow and easy, allow for recovery, and then the fifth would be an all-out fight. Not saying he should, just a thought experiment.
??
Casper better be chugging Gatorades in the back room right now…
OK, Alcaraz is back on the court. We'll find out pretty quickly if he can go on ... he is walking gingerly but let's find out.
Until Alcaraz cramped this was one of the greatest head to head battles I had ever seen.
As testament to the tenacity/relentlessness of Djokovic throughout his career, if the roles were reversed, and Djokovic were the one cramping down one set to two, I'd almost be willing to bet he'd come back to win the next two sets.
I know djokovic has a penchant for outlasting everybody he plays, but it really sucks that this match has turned into this. It had such potential
Let's be honest -- even with the five minute treatment at the end of the set (Djokovic has now won the set 6-1), it's unlikely that Alcaraz can make a full recovery. We will hope for it, dream about it, but realistically with the weather in the high 80s, those cramps are probably not going anywhere. It's heartbreaking but it really will take something of a miracle for Alcaraz to come back. Of course, he is a miraculous guy ... let's hope.
We’ve all been watching the Big 3 for long enough… miracles can happen.
Yeah but he is playing one of the big 3.
Well, if he is their heir as people suggest… but I agree. This is a huge bummer.
From Steve Goldberg
How much time does he get at the end of the set for treatment?
So, here's what happens from here. Alcaraz is down 4-1. He's still competing but probably should not be ... as Jim Courier says, he has no chance to win this set so he should essentially thrown these next two games, get to the end of the set and then go for treatment. He will get five minutes once he gets into the side room, which, you know, that could help a lot.
McEnroe suggested he should have "made something up" to get treatment and implied that happens a lot (I have no idea). I do wonder how much a 19 year old might have just gone balls to the wall and now that he's having trouble, not know the little tricks (like not trying so hard on a lost cause) to make it back.
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. You can't take a medical break from cramps so just say you pulled your calf and hydrate like crazy.
it's not like there is a lot difference between the feeling of a calf strain and cramps. It would be plausible.
Mustard under the tongue is the cure
he's surrendered the third set essentially
What a bummer this is. Damn.
This is depressing to watch now. The spirit is gone.
Such a drag
Djokovic, it must be said, clearly hates that this is happening. He came over to help when he first realized what was happening, and he looks a little bit unsure of how to go forward while Alcaraz tries to recover. There are a lot of things you can say about Djokovic -- I think we all know that -- but he's has always been an incredible sportsman and generous opponent. Alcaraz is swinging away, just trying to hit winners, and Djokovic takes the game. He's up 3-1. Alcaraz seems to be thinking he will lose this set and, hopefully, recover.
How much time does he get at the end of the set for treatment?
Followed this working this morning. Took lunch early to turn it on. And....
So did Carlos just exhaust himself? Too much adrenaline from nerves that has dissipated. The highlights from earlier were unreal.
Level of play was very high, 2:30 hours in 90 degree heat.
Get Carlitos a little mustard under the tongue.
Alcaraz in trouble. Lets hope he does some serious hydrating between games. Not sure why he wasn't doing that while he was getting massaged.
And now it's 2-1 Djokovic in the third set, and Alcaraz still looks like he can't really move. The crowd is booing, but this is how it works -- you can't take a medical timeout for cramps. It's considered a conditioning issue.
Oh oh. Big problem here -- serious cramping situation with Alcaraz. The set is 1-1, but Alcaraz can barely walk. He has two options -- he can try to play through it (not an option, apparently) or he can sit down and concede points, which is what it looks like he is going to do. He's going to get the leg worked on while the points are conceded. What a shame this is.
Wow, I’ve never seen a player opt to concede a game because of cramps. The plot thickens.
Hmm, Novak struggles in his service game but holds. But Carlos is suddenly cramping, this is where Novak's fitness gets underestimated. Despite Carlito's youth, its not a given he is more fit.
FanDuel has Alcaraz as a pretty clear favorite now, which makes a lot of sense -- he's so much younger and he seems to be getting stronger. But Djokovic is one of the best five-set players ever. This is what we came for.
Best of 3 now if Djoker's arm holds up.
Tennis noob here. With Alcaraz staying so far back on Novak’s serve I wonder why not try a drop serve? Is that frowned upon?
Can Djoky sustain this high energy and physicality for the rest of match? I don't think Alcatraz will let up.
I’ll start by saying that I don’t like front runners. My favorite player as a kid was Andy Roddick and now it’s Casper Ruud. So I’ve been slow to warm to Alcaraz from the moment he was hyped as the next big thing. But this match is making me a fan. To see this level of shotmaking against Djokovic is unreal. And, most endearingly of all, he looks like he’s having the best time out there.
And Carlos takes the second set with a clear break at love -- Djokovic missed an easy volley on the first point and never recovered. It's one set all and the match is only just beginning ... almost two hours in!
2 hours, 13 minutes in
1 set all. Feels like its swung to Alcaraz, 3rd set should be fascinating to see if fatigue starts to set in.
Amazing tennis showcased by an old master and a young dragon genius.
This is pure chess match. Hopefully their bodies hold up and they can maintain this level of tennis.
This is incredible...mesmerizing!
Carlos holds to make it 6-5. He looks a bit winded -- who can blame him? They've only played two sets but it feels like a lifetime.
Novak now must serve to take it to a tie-break.
Tennis noob here- I'm dazzled by Alcaraz's skills and composure at his age even as Djokovic outplays him.
OK, this match is officially getting ridiculous. Every single point ends with some ridiculous, miraculous shot. Alcaraz seems to run down shots that nobody -- not even Nadal or Djoker himself -- could run down. And Djokovic's ability to see two shots ahead is unparalleled; the guy "guesses" right seemingly every time. And now they're both playing so well, running down so many shots, that it feels like they're breaking tennis. Utterly incredible. It's deuce on Carlos' serve, 5-5.