Italian world number one Jannik Sinner in action in Paris. Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF
World number one Jannik Sinner has defeated record-chasing Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 7-6(3) to set up a blockbuster French Open final showdown with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Playing a younger, modern version of himself, the 38-year-old Djokovic looked every bit his age for a while on Court Philippe Chatrier as Sinner used his blistering forehand to send the Serbian chasing the ball left, right and centre.
But the former world number one, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, showed he thrived on the grandest stage and threatened a comeback only to miss three set points in the third.
The Italian, who recently came back from a doping ban, stood firm in the tiebreak and wrapped up the contest on his second match point to reach his maiden Roland Garros final.
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner speak at the net at the end of this morning's match in Paris. Photo: JULIEN DE ROSA
Calling Djokovic the greatest player of all time, Sinner said: "It was such a special occasion for me playing Novak in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam and I had to step up and play the best tennis I could.
"He's such a role model for us young players. I tried to not think about this but before going on court you feel the tension and what's coming against you."
Sinner will face a sterner test in Sunday's final against Alcaraz, who advanced when his semi-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired injured at the beginning of the fourth set.
With Aryna Sabalenka playing Coco Gauff in the women's final, it will be the first time that the top two ranked players will face off in both singles finals at Roland Garros since 1984.
-Reuters
