Jannik Sinner has booked his place in a maiden French Open final after outclassing Novak Djokovic in straight sets, winning 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a gripping semi-final clash on Friday night in Paris.
Facing off against the sport’s most decorated Grand Slam champion, the 23-year-old Italian displayed nerves of steel and relentless shot-making to halt Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th major title.
The veteran Serb, though valiant in patches, couldn’t match Sinner’s pace, consistency, and firepower under the Court Philippe Chatrier lights.
Sinner will now face world number two and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be a blockbuster final on Sunday, a rare battle between the world’s top two players at Roland Garros, last seen in 1984.
A Match of Generations
Djokovic entered the match with an astonishing 27-match win streak in Paris, spanning the 2023 French Open, Paris Masters, Olympic gold, and a run that was only halted last year due to injury.
But none of that history intimidated Sinner, who held firm in the opening set, dropping just three points on his serve and drawing errors from Djokovic with punishing baseline play.
In the second set, Djokovic appeared to rally, drawing roars from the crowd after winning a marathon 26-shot exchange.
But the momentum was short-lived. Sinner broke again late in the set, punishing Djokovic’s short balls and fading stamina.
Defiance Fades, A New Era Beckons
Djokovic had his chance to extend the match in the third set, carving out three set points as Sinner’s level briefly dipped. Yet the Italian didn’t flinch, erasing each one before storming through the tiebreak to seal the win.
Afterward, Sinner paid respect to his opponent, calling Djokovic “the greatest to ever play the game” and reflecting on the gravity of the occasion.
“There’s a different energy when you face someone like Novak in a Slam semi-final,” he said.“I knew I had to rise to the moment, and I’m proud of how I handled it.”
Djokovic’s Chase Stalled Again
Though the Serbian showed moments of his trademark brilliance, from touch volleys to gutsy retrievals, he struggled to dictate points and often looked laboured during extended rallies.
It was a sharp contrast to the composed and efficient Sinner, who played like a man not just hoping to win, but expecting to.
Djokovic, visibly disappointed, paused to acknowledge the crowd as he left the court. His wait for a 25th major continues, and time may no longer be on his side.
Final Showdown Set
With Lorenzo Musetti withdrawing early from his semi-final against Alcaraz due to injury, the final now pits the two most in-form players in the world against each other.
Both men are multiple Grand Slam champions in 2024, Sinner having won in Melbourne, Alcaraz in Paris last year.
One will leave Roland Garros as the undisputed king of clay this season. And for Sinner, Sunday offers more than just a chance at a title, it’s a shot at inheriting the throne.
