Carlos Alcaraz into final as Lorenzo Musetti forced to retire injured
Carlos Alcaraz will defend his French Open title on Sunday after Lorenzo Musetti retired from their semi-final.
Italian Musetti won the first set and was playing some exquisite tennis under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
But the 23-year-old had treatment on his leg during a one-sided third set and called it a day after Alcaraz won nine games in a row with the score 4-6 7-6 (3) 6-0 2-0.
There were echoes of a match here four years ago when Musetti retired against Novak Djokovic at 4-0 down in the fifth, later saying he was not injured but that he quit because he was "not able to win a point".
Alcaraz, who will bid for a fifth grand slam title on Sunday, said: "It is never great getting through like this.
"Lorenzo is a great player. He has had an incredible clay season. He's one of the few players who has achieved the semi-finals. I wish him all the best and a quick recovery.
"The first two sets were really tough. I had chances to break his serve in the match and I couldn't make the most of it.
"He was playing great tennis. When I won the second set, there was relief. In the third I knew what I had to do - pushing him to the limit and trying to be aggressive.
"I was more calm and I could see this more clearly and I could play great tennis."
An exciting match looked on the cards when at 5-4 Musetti, who had not previously threatened the Alcaraz serve, suddenly broke to take the first set.
Alcaraz served for the second set but the tension he was feeling was palpable as Musetti broke straight back.
However, Alcaraz reset in the tie-break and, although Musetti saved two set points, he dumped a third into the net.
Musetti planted his hand onto his face after a bad miss handed the initiative to Alcaraz, who grabbed the early break in the third.
Suddenly the shackles were off for Alcaraz while Musetti was labouring, winning just five points as the set disappeared over the horizon.
The eighth seed had received treatment on his left leg but was still clearly hindered and when Alcaraz broke for 2-0 in the fourth, he decided he had had enough.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Jannik Sinner is anticipating mixed emotions in new-look French Open final
Jannik Sinner says his blockbuster French Open final against Carlos Alcaraz will be "fun, and not fun". Italian world number one Sinner takes on second seed and defending champion Alcaraz in the first major final between the new generation of men's tennis superstars. It is a match-up tinged with extra significance after Sinner beat Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, with the 38-year-old Serb – the last of the old guard still just about standing – admitting it may have been his last Roland Garros. Instead it will be Sinner and Alcaraz who take centre stage in the first men's grand-slam final to be contested between two players born in this century. "It's fun, and not fun, you know. It's both ways," said 23-year-old Sinner of meeting the Spaniard, one year his junior. "But I think we try to push ourselves in the best possible way. I believe when there is a good match, it's also good to play, you know. It's not only to watch, but also to play. It's very special. "And the stage, it doesn't get any bigger now. Grand-slam finals against Carlos, it's a special moment for me and for him, too. "He won here last year, so let's see what's coming. But for sure, the tension you feel before the match and during the match is a little bit different in a way, because we are both very young, we are both different, but talented." It is an intriguing showdown between the two bright young things who have won the last five grand slams between them. Sinner, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, is on a 20-match winning streak at grand slams and, with Wimbledon on the horizon, could be five weeks away from holding all four titles. But standing in the way of the 'Sinner Slam' is Alcaraz, who has won their last four meetings including the semi-final here last year and in the final on the Rome clay last month, albeit in the Italian's first tournament back from a three-month doping suspension. Alcaraz is also bidding to become the first man to retain the title since his idol, Rafael Nadal, managed it in 2020. "Jannik, he's the best tennis player right now. I mean, he's destroying every opponent," said Alcaraz. "I love that battle. But, you know, most of the time is just about suffering, being pushed to the limit. "But my favourite thing is it gives you the feedback of how can I be better, a better player. I think that's important, and that's beautiful, even though if I win or not."
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal star Jorginho completes Flamengo transfer and set to become second Chelsea icon to face Blues at Club World Cup
JORGINHO has completed his move to Flamengo - just hours after leaving Arsenal. The Brazilian midfielder, 33, was released from his contract early by the Gunners. 3 Jorginho has completed his Arsenal exit and has joined Flamengo Credit: Getty 3 The 33-year-old will face off against ex-club Chelsea in the Club World Cup Credit: Getty Jorginho joined Arsenal in January 2023 from The 33-year-old made 78 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side, but mostly featured off the bench this season. But the club arranged for him to be released early so he could play for Flamengo in the Club World Cup. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL He has penned a three-year deal with the Brazilian side. The Gunners described Jorginho as a "valuable and integral part of the club" in a statement confirming his early release. It added: "Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Jorgi for his contribution to the club. "We wish him and his family all the best for the future." Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Flamengo's It means Jorginho will face his former club on June 20 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. £67M Real Madrid Star Rodrygo on Gunners Hit List | From The Sports Desk | Sun Sport A familiar face to Blues fans will also play against Chelsea in the tournament opener. Olivier Giroud, who played for both the Blues and Arsenal, currently leads the line for Los Angeles FC. The MLS club booked their place in the competition with a 3 The winner-takes-all tie came about after Mexico's Club Leon Leon were due to be in Group D alongside Chelsea. But they were booted due to a violation of Fifa's rules on multi-club ownership. The 32-team tournament starts later this month. Manchester City, among the favourites for the crown, face Italian giants Juventus, Morocco's Wydad AC and Al Ain of the UAE in the group stages.
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Leinster vs Glasgow: What is kick-off time, TV channel, betting, line-ups
Leinster and Glasgow Warriors go head-to-head in the first of the two URC semi-final clashes this Irish side have home advantage but have been forced to juggle selection as injuries build up and, indeed, none of Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong and Caelan Doris make the matchday squad This has forced three personnel changes from the side that started last week's quarter-final with Tommy O'Brien, Dan Sheehan and Scott Penny - who played the last hour last week - coming into the sideTighthead prop Fin Richardson and out-half Adam Hastings have been called into Glasgow Warriors starting what you need to know about the game:Where and when is it?The match takes place at The Aviva, Dublin, Saturday June time is kick-off?The action gets under way at are the Match Officials?Italian referee Andrea Piardi (FIR, 54th league game) will be in the centre with Craig Evans (WRU) and Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR) as the touch judges. Matteo Liperini (FIR) is TMO "Glasgow, you think back to the question around kicking... they'd a very different plan around kicking last time to when we played them the first time. Adam Hastings is in at No 10 instead of Tom Jordan, he's more of a kicking 10, so that would suggest he might kick the ball more, but we'll wait and see." Premier TV's rugby analyst, former Wales star Tom Shanklin: 'I don't think it's all about game plan or tactics for Leinster - they are really intelligent players, it's all to do with emotion and motivation and that's down to the senior players and coaches to get the team in the right mindset to approach this game. 'The Lions of Leinster have to drive standards in this game. Chuck in Jordie Barrett as well for his experience - he's been so great for them, I have not seen a poor game from him since he arrived.'Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith: 'Leinster are the standard setters in this competition. They finished top of the standings for a reason, and have consistently out-performed teams across the course of this season while showing their strength in depth.'It is a challenge that we know we will need to be at our best to meet, and the players are focused on the task at hand. Training this week has been sharp and competitive, with every player working hard for each other to put this squad in the best possible position for tomorrow afternoon.'Premier TV's rugby analyst, former Scotland captain John Barclay: "Glasgow are looking good, looking sharp and are peaking at the right time, I think they will be confident going over there. They dominated the Stormers up front last weekend which surprised a few people given the size of them, but the Warriors are so well coached now, they know how to do that. 'If you look at the coaching ticket that Glasgow have, the way they evolve and have a plan for every week, I think they'll be pretty comfortable in what they have to do as a team on odds:Leinster win: 1/8Glasgow Warriors win: 11/2Draw: 35/1 Betting tip: Scott Penny to score anytime time try - 5/2. A free-scoring flanker at the best of times (91 games, 63 starts, 34 tries), Leinster like to use their no7, whoever it is, as an auxiliary scoring option at the back of mauls. Given Penny is popular within the squad and there will be some sympathy for his missing out on Ireland selection, expect him to be tee-d up at some point. How will they line out?Leinster: Jimmy O'Brien, Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Scott Penny, Jack Conan (CAPT)Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Ciarán FrawleyGlasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Steyn (CAPT), Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Jamie Bhatti, Gregor Hiddleston, Fin Richardson, Alex Samuel, Scott Cummings, Euan Ferrie, Rory Darge, Henco VenterReplacements: Johnny Matthews, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Max Williamson, Jack Mann, Macenzzie Duncan, Stafford McDowall, Jamie DobieReferee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
