Paris (AP) – Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the French Open final on Friday after Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from the semi-finals in the fourth set.
Alcaraz was ahead 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when the eighth seed from Italy opted to stop play at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“Winning like this isn’t ideal. Lorenzo is an exceptional player,” Alcaraz remarked. “I wish him the best and hope for a speedy recovery so we can meet on the court again soon.”
During the latter part of the third set, Musetti received treatment for the inside of his left thigh, and he was attended to once more before the fourth set.
Musetti fell behind 5-0 after calling for the trainer 16 minutes into the third set. Alcaraz quickly defeated Musetti in the next game and wrapped up the set in 21 minutes, winning 24 of 29 points.
Musetti appeared hindered in his movements and called the trainer again. Following Alcaraz’s break of serve to take a 2-0 lead, Musetti slowly approached the net to embrace Alcaraz.
“At the start of the third set, while serving, I began to lose strength in my left leg, and it clearly became a serious issue. Although it wasn’t my desire to end this way, I believe it was the right choice. I’ll get tested tomorrow.”
Second-seeded Alcaraz aims for his second French Open title and fifth Grand Slam as he faces either Italy’s top-ranked Jannik Sinner or Serbia’s 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the final.
They were set to compete in the semi-finals later on Friday.
Among the spectators were actor Dustin Hoffman and former US Secretary of State John Kelly, who noted that Musetti’s one-handed backhand is one of the best in tennis, showcasing his talent early on. Supporters of Musetti donned clown wigs in the colors of the Italian flag to cheer for him.
Musetti clinched the first set when Alcaraz sent a forehand wide, contributing to one of 16 unforced errors during that set.
Alcaraz expressed frustration, attempting a side-foot kick during a critical moment in the second set. Relief washed over him when he succeeded in breaking Musetti’s serve in the 11th game and celebrated with a raised fist.
Musetti was broken again, which led to a tiebreaker that Alcaraz controlled. The Spaniard secured the set when Musetti mistimed a drop shot, leading to a net error.
“The initial two sets were quite challenging,” Alcaraz shared. “When I managed to win the second set, it was a relief. I knew what I had to do in the third set and felt I could push him to his limits while staying aggressive.”
Musetti has now reached the semi-finals of a major for the second time, having previously done so at Wimbledon last year, where he was defeated by Djokovic in straight sets.
Alcaraz reported feeling physically fit heading into the final after overcoming Musetti multiple times in succession.
“I feel really good. The last three weeks have been intense, but I’m in great shape,” he stated. “I’m confident now. I’m ready to give my all on Sunday.”
Alcaraz’s record improved to 21-1 on clay this year, having secured the title in Rome – notably defeating Sinner – and in Monte Carlo, where he overcame Musetti.
Musetti has now become the second Italian man to reach the French Open final since 1976 champion Adriano Panatta.
However, Sinner still has the chance to achieve the same.
AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Source: apnews.com