French Open 2025: Jannik Sinner defeats Novak Djokovic to reach first Roland Garros final against Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets to move into the French Open final in Paris. (AP)
Jannik Sinner defeated
Novak Djokovic
in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) at the
French Open
semi-finals on Friday, setting up a final clash with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced when Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury.
This victory marks Sinner's first Grand Slam final appearance, while ending Djokovic's quest for a record-breaking 25th major title.
World number one Sinner maintained his impressive form, remaining undefeated in sets throughout the tournament. The match lasted three hours and 16 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.
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"He is the best player in the history of our sport, playing against him here is amazing," said Sinner.
"Of course I try to not think about this but before coming on court you feel the tension."
The 23-year-old Italian showed remarkable composure, particularly when breaking back immediately after failing to serve out the second set. He hit 44 winners across the three sets and successfully defended three set points in the tenth game of the third set.
Djokovic, at 38, remained resilient throughout the contest but ultimately couldn't convert the crucial set points in the third set.
"Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favourite tournament," said Djokovic. "I'm going to do everything possible to get myself ready. I guess my best chances maybe are Wimbledon, to win another Slam, or faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that."
The Serbian champion reflected on his future at Roland Garros: "This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don't know. I don't know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career.
You know, I'm going to keep on keeping on."
In the other semi-final, Alcaraz advanced when Musetti retired with a leg injury while trailing 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-0, 2-0.
"It's never great to go through or win a match when it's like this," said Alcaraz. "He's done an incredible clay season. I wish him all the best, a quick recovery and that he'll be back soon."
The 22-year-old Spaniard, seeking his fifth Grand Slam title, expressed confidence ahead of the final: "It's been three intense weeks and now I have one step to make.
I'll give everything on Sunday, I've been playing great tennis this tournament."
Sinner acknowledged the challenge ahead, considering his recent record against Alcaraz, who has won their last four encounters, including the Italian Open final following Sinner's return from a three-month doping ban.
"Sunday is going to be very difficult, I know my head-to-head lately doesn't look great against Carlos but let's see what I can do," said Sinner.
The upcoming final marks several significant milestones. It will be the first Grand Slam final between two players born in the 2000s, with neither finalist having lost a major final before.
The tournament also features a rare occurrence where the top two seeds will contest both the men's and women's finals, with Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff set to compete for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen on Saturday.
Musetti's semi-final match saw him take the first set before Alcaraz gained momentum. The Italian received treatment on his left thigh during the third set, where he managed only five points in 22 minutes before retiring early in the fourth set.
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