​Carlos Alcaraz outclassed Stefanos Tsitsipas and will meet Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of Roland Garros. At the press conference, the athlete from Spain was asked who is the favorite for the most anticipated match at the Paris Grand Slam.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak DjokovicPhoto: Laurent Lairys/DPPI/LiveMedia/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

“Novak Djokovic is the favorite in all the matches he plays,” – thinks Carlos Alcaraz

Although the bookies rate him as the first chance, the Iberian believes Nole’s experience will play an important role in Friday’s game and says the Serb remains favourite.

“He’s one of the best ever and it’s not a question of whether he can keep up with my pace, it’s the other way around. Djokovic will always be the favorite in his matches.

What impresses me most about Novak is the way he hits the ball and his full arsenal of shots. He forces you to not see the flaws in his tennis and his average is very high, he forces you to maintain his best tennis for a long time.

I think the fact that he has 45 Grand Slam semi-finals is very important, it gives him a lot of confidence and he is the favourite. Wherever he competes, he will be the favorite, in any tournament, because he is a true legend.

I am not saying this to put pressure, this is what I believe. He’s won twice here and it would have been a lot more had he not faced the best in history on this surface.

At the moment I feel like one of the best in the world and I think I show it with the level of my game. I am very confident in all aspects of the game and feel great both physically and mentally.

It’s incredible for me to be in the semifinals of a Grand Slam against Novak. I remember watching all his duels against Rafa here in Paris and telling myself that one day I will be there too.

Fortunately, that day has come, so the dream has come true. I will try to impose my style of play and make a great game” – Carlos Alcarazat the press conference.

  • Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have met only once before, with the Spaniard winning (5)6-7, 7-5, 7-6(5) in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters (2022).

The Roland Garros tournament takes place from May 28 to June 11, has a total prize pool of 49.6 million euros, and is the 127th tournament. Iga Sviatek and Rafael Nadal (14-time winner in Paris) became the champions of the title.