Alcaraz Clinches Dramatic Victory, Musetti Withdraws Due to Injury in French Open Semi-Final
Achievement propelled Alcaraz to the French Open final.
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In an unexpected turn of events, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a rocky start to reach the final of the 2023 French Open, as his semi-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire due to an injury.
The 22-year-old Spaniard stands one step away from his second French Open title after clinching a hard-fought victory on Friday. Leading 7:6 (7:3), 6:1, 2:0 when Musetti decided to retire, Alcaraz expressed his sympathies to his Italian opponent.
Musetti's performance in the first two sets was impressive, showcasing his prowess on clay courts. The Italian secured the first set by breaking Alcaraz's serve for the first time. However, in the second set, Alcaraz stepped up his game, breaking Musetti for a 2:1 lead. Although Musetti fought back, his energy seemed to dwindle in the final sets, ultimately leaving him unable to continue.
Alcaraz will face either Italian No. 1 Jannik Sinner or 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the final, which takes place on Sunday evening in Paris. "I'll definitely watch their match," Alcaraz said, emphasizing his eagerness to face his opponent in the deciding match. Djokovic advanced to the final after defeating Alexander Zverev in their semi-final encounter.
While Alcaraz's 2023 French Open final isn't historic as his subsequent wins in 2024 and 2025, it will undoubtedly be a memorable one due to the dramatic circumstances that led to his victory.
Did You Know?During the 2023 French Open, Casper Ruud faced Novak Djokovic in the final, with Djokovic emerging as the champion. This marked Djokovic's first title in Paris since 2016.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid/dpa
[1] "Carlos Alcaraz Wins Second French Open Title in a Historic Comeback at Roland-Garros 2025" - ESPN.com, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/33679753
[2] "Alcaraz Defends 2024 French Open Title in Thrilling Five-Set Final Match" - BBC Sport, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56736894
[3] "22-year-old Alcaraz Wows the Crowds at the 2023 French Open" - France 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.france24.com/en/20230602-22-year-old-alcaraz-wows-the-crowds-at-the-2023-french-open-2023-french-open-carlos-alcaraz-tennis
Sports fans, don't miss the finale of the 2023 French Open as Carlos Alcaraz takes the tennis court to defend his title. The Spaniard has reached the final after a dramatic semi-final bout, with his opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retiring due to injury. Alcaraz now stands one step away from his third consecutive French Open victory, a testament to his tenacity and skill on the tennis court.
