So Zverev and Alcaraz will both be playing in their first French Open final on Sunday. Any pointers? Well, Zverev leads Alcaraz 5-4 in their head-to-head and 2-1 in grand slams – though Alcaraz has won two of their three matches on clay. It’s nicely poised – though Alcaraz will be the favourite after his statement semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner – and he’s shown that he can produce on the biggest stage having won two slams already. Plus I think Alcaraz just has that bit extra. What is certain is that we will have a new French Open champion – and for the first time since a certain muscly Spanish teenager rocked up at Roland Garros in 2005 the final will not feature Nadal, Federer or Djokovic. Thanks for reading – do join us on Sunday and for the women’s final between Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini tomorrow. Bye!
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The two sides of the sport.#ThisIsTennis pic.twitter.com/pg14nrDBTs
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 7, 2024
Sunday awaits 🏆#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/oALL85gvqU
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Zverev says:
Some of my worst memories have happened on this court. I’m so happy to be in the final. I’m going to give it my all on Sunday.
I knew I had to be much more aggressive [after the first set]. I thought the first two sets were very high level, then I saw he was struggling. Credit to him to play until the end and fight until the end. He’s a great champion and person and definitely he’s going to be back.
I was two sets to love and a break up and two points away from winning [the US Open final in 2020]. But I was not ready to win my first grand slam final. I was too much of a kid. I’m 27 years old now, definitely not a kid any more. If not now, then when? I’m in my first Roland Garros final and hopefully I can win my first grand slam.
Zverev beats Ruud 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2!
Ace No 18 right in the corner and it’s 30-15. Zverev is two points away. Make that one, because there’s his 53rd winner. And Zverev seals it with another ace! Zverev, after semi-final heartbreak the past three years, is through to his first Roland Garros final where he will face Carlos Alcaraz! Ruud, ever the gentleman, does not want to shake hands with Zverev through fear of giving Zverev whatever bug he has. He walks off to warm applause as Zverev steps up to speak …
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Zverev breaks: Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 2-5 Zverev*
What a shot from Zverev for 30-all as he manages to direct his return around the net post and into the court for a winner! He’s roaring and Ruud is applauding. And here’s a break point for Zverev, which is as good as a match point. The pair rally … before Zverev settles matters with a backhand winner down the line! He’s a game away from his first French Open final! Much credit to Zverev for how he’s played; it’s never easy staying focused when facing an ailing opponent but Zverev has been ruthless since losing the first set.
Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 2-4 Zverev
Zverev gets out his tennis textbook at 15-all before producing the perfect one-two punch. He picks Ruud off at the net on the next point with a forehand pass. 40-15. Kamikaze that from Ruud, rushing to the net, but he doesn’t want any long points now. Game.
Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 2-3 Zverev*
After three consecutive defeats in French Open semi-finals, including last year against Ruud, Zverev is closing in on the finish line here, and a final against Carlos Alcaraz. 30-all on Ruud’s serve … Zverev is pushing and probing … but Ruud shows great character to win the next two points and hold. He’s almost certainly just delaying the inevitable, though.
Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 1-3 Zverev
A rattled Ruud, no doubt frustrated that he’s been cut down by illness, complains to the umpire at the changeover about a line call. Then it’s Zverev’s turn to have a moan; he tells the umpire that the spidercam is distracting him when he serves. “Every time I throw the ball up,” the German says. The umpire is busy in this game as she’s then out of her chair checking a line call at 30-15. Ruud’s shot is confirmed in, so it’s 30-all. A glimmer for the Norwegian. But Zverev slams down a 16th ace. And then Zverev somehow not only gets a racket to Ruud’s rocket of a return but is able to produce a squash shot forehand cross-court winner!
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Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 1-2 Zverev*
Despite Ruud’s physical limitations tonight, he manages to leap into the air on the second point to put away a forehand winner. That will have felt good, as long as it didn’t upset his stomach any more than it already is. 30-0, 40-0. Zverev reduces his arrears to 40-15 but gets no further because Ruud, keen to get the point and game finished as quickly as possible, rips a backhand winner down the line!
Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 0-2 Zverev
You know the drill: 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game and hold. Zverev is showing no mercy.
Zverev breaks: Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 0-1 Zverev*
Ruud has left the court as the sun sets in Paris – and possibly on his French Open hopes too. Zverev is ready to play; he doesn’t want any shift in momentum. Ruud trudges back on to court and will serve first in this fourth set; at least that’s an advantage for him. But not if Zverev breaks, which the German is threatening to do at 15-30. Ruud didn’t even attempt to run to Zverev’s winner on that third point. 15-40, two break points. And Zverev takes the second when Ruud has to stretch to a backhand, which he slices into the net!
Zverev wins the third set 6-4
So Zverev serving for a two sets to one lead … and the way Ruud is feeling, it’s difficult to see how he could come back from that. Zverev flashes his 12th and 13th aces of the match for 30-0. 30-15 … and then he balances out the aces with two double faults! An inopportune moment. 30-40, break point. Zverev’s first serve is back firing on the break point, and Ruud rattles his return into the net. Deuce. Advantage Zverev. Set Zverev! He’s closing in on his first French Open final!
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Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 4-5 Zverev*
An ailing Ruud is trying the shorten the points, and comes up with a winning serve-volley combo to bring up game point at 40-15. Credit to him, he holds from there. But once again he’s slumped over on his chair between games.
Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 3-5 Zverev
The crowd, painfully aware of Ruud’s discomfort, are rather subdued as Zverev’s serving supremacy continues. Yet another love hold for Zverev and Ruud must hold serve if he’s to extend this third set by more than one more game.
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Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 3-4 Zverev*
Much was said before this match about what kind of condition Zverev would be in after his two five-setters since Saturday, one of which didn’t finish until 1.40am – not as late as Djokovic’s 3.07am ordeal but still far later than any human should be playing tennis. But it’s Ruud who’s suffering physically here. Having said that, he does show spirit to hold to 15. His head, however, is slumped at the changeover, and he is breathing heavily.
Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 2-4 Zverev
Zverev is painting the lines on serve. 15-0. 30-0. And then 40-15. The break is backed up with a dismissive forehand at the net. Ruud appeared to be in discomfort stretching to a few shots there.
A defeated Sinnner has been speaking in his post-match press conference:
Disappointed in today's result, but it's all part of the process.
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Keep your head held high, @janniksin 🫡#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/yUtyZWNMiB
Zverev breaks: Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 2-3 Zverev*
Ruud’s radar is off here, and the subdued-looking Norwegian drops 0-30 down. His body language between points isn’t good. He appears to be suffering. He’ll hope those tablets take effect soon, but it could be too late to save the set given the way Zverev is serving, because here are three break points at 0-40. Ruud shows resolve to fend off the first with a driving forehand; but he’s unable to save the second as Zverev pulls off a looping cross-court forehand winner!
Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 2-2 Zverev
Ruud has taken some tablets but not a timeout, so they’re back under way already. Let’s hope this doesn’t have a big impact on the match, as Sabalenka’s stomach issues did in her quarter-final defeat by Mirra Andreeva. But Ruud appears uncomfortable, and here’s another quicker-than-quick hold from Zverev, who’s taken 24 out of 27 points on serve since being broken at the end of the first set.
Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 2-1 Zverev*
The problem for Ruud is that Zverev is holding with such ease that he has so much energy and focus left to take on Ruud’s serve. Zverev wins the first point on Ruud’s serve for 0-15, he should really make it 0-30 but blinks. And Ruud gratefully turns what could have been 0-30 into 40-15. But Zverev isn’t going away here, and is piling on the pressure at deuce. Ruud goes for broke down the line and misses! Advantage Zverev, break point. Ruud’s first serve is so long is nearly hits the baseline. His second is good … Zverev is aggressive on the return but overhits. Deuce. Advantage Ruud, despite Zverev’s best defensive efforts. Game Ruud. And the doctor is on his way because Ruud appears to have stomach problems.
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Ruud* 6-2, 2-6, 1-1 Zverev
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Move on, nothing to see here. Zverev’s serve – one of the best in the game – is firing on all cylinders now. He’s lost only three points on serve since the start of the second set.
Ruud 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 Zverev*
The daylight has given way to the floodlights as Ruud steps up to serve at the start of the third set. They’re all square, so we’ve got a best-of-three-set match from here on in. At one set all and 15-all, Ruud decides he’d quite like to be ahead in the contest again, and advances to 30-15 and then 40-15. The next point in incroyable – they’re both giving it everything they’ve got… forehands, backhands, drop shots, volleys, lobs, tweeners, you name it, they’re doing it … but Zverev’s tweener goes into the net!
Zverev wins the second set 6-2
Ruud, a model of consistency in the first set, is making more errors now. He’s edged ahead of Zverev in the unforced error count, 15 to 12. And he’s also behind in the winner tally, 20 to 19. Zverev moves to 40-15 with little fuss, and takes the set when Ruud shanks the return long! Zverev, as he has done twice already in this tournament, recovers from losing the first set to level the match!
Ruud 6-2, 2-5 Zverev*
Ruud puts away the overhead for 15-0. But a miscued drop shot – he’s not made too many errors with that shot so far – and it’s 15-all. Ruud hits back behind Zverev with a forehand winner for 30-15. 40-15. Game, when Ruud’s serve has too much bite on it for Zverev to get it back into court. Ruud holds – but Zverev will serve for the set …
Ruud* 6-2, 1-5 Zverev
Zverev is bounce, bounce, bouncing the ball in the style of Djokovic before serving. The defending champion may have departed this tournament but at least it feels as if a bit of him is still here. It doesn’t pay off for Zverev, who concedes the point for 15-30. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce and it’s 30-all. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, ace, 40-30. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, game.
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Heckuva point, @AlexZverev 👏#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/N3YuFK929c
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Zverev breaks: Ruud 6-2, 1-4 Zverev*
Zverev – already a very tall man – is standing even taller after taking the first point in style. 0-15. Which becomes 15-30. Ruud unleashes with his forehand – but it flies into the tramlines. 15-40, two points for the double break. Zverev can’t profit on the first; but he does on the second and is fist pumping his way to his chair! It’s been some response from him after losing the first set.
Ruud* 6-2, 1-3 Zverev
Huge cheers on the third point as the pair engage in a little tete-a-tete at the net. 40-0. Game. No messing about from Zverev there – who can now put the pressure straight back on Ruud’s serve …
Consistency 👏#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Ma9GwqidUO
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Ruud 6-2, 1-2 Zverev*
A high-quality rally on the opening point. Zverev appears to be in the ascendancy but Ruud expertly turns defence into attack. 15-0. 30-15, as Ruud delivers another drop shot. That shot is working so well for him this evening. Ruud rams a forehand down the line for 40-15, and the luck appears to be on his side when his backhand hits the tape and flies over wickedly, but Zverev is able to react and put away the winner! 40-30 – which turns into deuce.
Ruud relies on another drop shot to move to advantage – but Zverev, who now has his eye in, unleashes a backhand winner down the line. Zverev’s now only two behind in the winner count: 11 to 13. Zverev is able to get down so well for a man who’s 6’6” to dig out the volley for his advantage, break point. And here’s another volley – an absolute gimme for the German – to seize the break but he hits wildly wide! Deuce. Ruud shows Zverev how it’s done at the net on the next two points to escape with the hold!
Ruud* 6-2, 0-2 Zverev
40-0 Zverev. He’s won seven of the first nine points in this set. Ah, the sudden changes in momentum in tennis. Make that eight of the first 10. A love hold for the German.
Zverev breaks: Ruud 6-2, 0-1 Zverev*
This is bringing back memories of the pair’s French Open semi-final last year, when Ruud dominated Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. But Ruud’s level dips at the start of the second set, as he slips to 0-30 on serve. Zverev has a chance to make it 0-40 but makes the error. 15-30. Zverev glances up to his dad in the stands, who’s also his coach. And here are two break points for Zverev! Just as he had the chance to break in Ruud’s first service game in the opening set. Ruud runs to the net to dismiss the danger on the first break point; but Zverev hits a biting return on the second and Ruud is unable to recover! “LET’S GO!” screams Zverev.
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That Casper calm™️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/IaYNTaAcCC
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Ruud wins the first set 6-2
Zverev steps up to serve with the new balls, with the stands now nearly full. Not the start he would want as he slides 0-15 down. And it gets worse for the fourth seed when his forehand on the run flops into the net – set up by Ruud’s aggressive inside-out forehand on the return. 0-30. 15-30. An absorbing rally plays out – one of the longest so far, 20 shots – Ruud is hitting so well from the back of the court, and then he finishes it off with a cute drop shot, which a bewildered Zverev doesn’t even run to. 15-40, two set points. Zverev biffs his backhand long and Ruud takes the opening set in some style!
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Ruud 5-2 Zverev*
Ruud, though, is also serving smoothly. He’s 70% on first serves so far, and then shows fine hands to draw Zverev forward. The German scrambles and dumps into the net. 30-15. 40-15, with a backhand bullet down the line. Game. We’re 29 minutes in and Ruud is a game away from the first set.
Ruud* 4-2 Zverev
15-0. 30-0. 40-0, when Zverev zips forward to the drop shot and pulls off an impressive angled volley. Jeu Zverev, his most comfortable hold of the match. He’s only lost one point on serve since being broken, and that was a double fault.
Ruud 4-1 Zverev*
A word on the doubles, as Ruud moves to 30-15 on serve: Coco Gauff wasn’t able to win her singles semi-final yesterday to set up a final against Jasmine Paolini – but the pair will face each other in the women’s doubles final after both won their semis today. Gauff is playing with Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, while Paolini is partnering with her fellow Italian Sara Errani.
From 30-15 Ruud advances to 40-30; the pair engage in a backhand duel on the next point and Zverev surrenders first. Another hold for the seventh seed.
Ruud* 3-1 Zverev
Ruud has perhaps gone under the radar a bit this fortnight, given he is aiming to reach his third consecutive final at Roland Garros. He’s also had a profitable clay-court season, winning in Barcelona and Geneva, as well as finishing runner-up at the Monte Carlo Masters. Zverev, meanwhile, won the Rome Masters last month. Zverev wins his first points on serve for 30-15, and makes that 40-15 with his first ace of the proceedings. He’s not far off making it two aces, but his effort down the T is just out. Second serve … the pair are going left and right and left and right and Ruud mades the error. Zverev is on the board.
Ruud 3-0 Zverev*
Ruud has sprinted out of the blocks here just as Sinner did in the first semi-final. But we know how that ended; there certainly won’t be any panic from Zverev yet. But it is clear that Ruud is working these points very well, mixing it up, with his clay-court craft. At 30-15 on serve, Ruud forces Zverev into a defensive forehand after some superb sliced backhands from the Norwegian, and Zverev nets. 40-15. Game, when Ruud absolutely rifles a forehand down the line! This has been very accomplished from Ruud so far.
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Ruud breaks: Ruud* 2-0 Zverev
It’s a beautiful evening in Paris, probably the warmest of the tournament so far, but the court is now almost completely in the shade apart from a few spots of sunlight. Ruud dispatches his first drop shot of the contest for 0-15. And Zverev throws in his first double fault of the match for 0-30. Zverev’s backhand then skids long and it’s 0-40, three break points. Zverev’s backhand clips the tape, goes over … but Ruud reacts to get it back and Zverev goes wide!
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Ruud 1-0 Zverev*
Premier jeu, Monsieur Ruud to serve first. Ruud will be the fresher of the two after his walkover in the quarter-finals because of Djokovic’s withdrawal with his knee knack – while Zverev has been on court for nearly 17 hours in five matches – two of which went to five sets. But there’s a danger for Ruud that he may have lost some rhythm, because he’s not played since Monday.
Ruud misfires on the first point, but finds better range on the second. 15-all. 15-30 – Ruud is yet to land a first serve. He does on the fourth point – and Zverev goes on to net. 30-all. 30-40, break point, when Ruud’s backhand loops long – that is a vulnerable shot for the Norwegian. Zverev is in a good position on the break point but then totally mis-hits and it’s deuce. Advantage Ruud. Game Ruud.
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Here’s what the players have had to say about this match:
Zverev
I’m in another semi-final here, which I’m very pleased about. Of course I want to win one. I want to be in the finals. That’s my main focus. [Ruud is a] great player. Two finals in a row, third semi-final in a row, that speaks for itself. He’s one of the best players on this surface, for sure. I think I have to play my best tennis to have a chance.
Ruud
The goal is not necessarily to play three perfect sets every time and win [in] straight sets, but sometimes you just have to think: ‘OK, I won’t play perfect, but I’m going to be a tough player to beat in best of five sets on clay.’ That’s the kind of mentality that has been working for me.
I know if the opponents want to beat me, they’re going to have to play really good tennis for at least three full sets, and I’m going to try to make it tough for them. Physically I’m going to try to be in good shape and make them suffer if I can. With my technical game I’m going to try to play heavy and play the kind of clay-court tennis that I like playing. It’s been working well the last two, three years here.
The players have arrived on Chatrier – but most of the new spectators haven’t. The top tier is reasonably full, but the lower stands are still quite empty.
It was announced today that Zverev’s public trial in Berlin – which started last week – has been discontinued after he reached a settlement with his former girlfriend over domestic abuse allegations. Zverev, who has always denied the claims, had not appeared in court while he competed at the French Open – and he will now be free to focus on his tennis going into Wimbledon and then the Olympics. The case has cast a shadow over his wins during this tournament, and Zverev’s team were perhaps keen to resolve this before he possibly becomes a grand slam champion on Sunday.
So, what of Zverev v Ruud? Well, after Alcaraz’s victory in the battle between the leaders of the new generation – this match that can described as the battle of the nearly men. Both are still looking for their first grand slam title; both have lost in major finals previously.
Zverev was denied in the 2020 US Open final by Dominic Thiem, despite having led by two sets to love, and has also been beaten in six slam semi-finals – including at Roland Garros for the past three years.
It was Ruud who defeated Zverev in Paris last year – but the Norwegian was put in his place by Novak Djokovic in the final, having also suffered a straight-sets defeat to Rafael Nadal in the 2022 final. He also came off second best in the 2022 US Open final against Alcaraz.
But while Zverev has long been considered a grand slam champion in waiting, Ruud is seen as someone who’s exceeded expectations and made the absolute most of his ability – a talent maximiser, you could say. Perhaps that means there’s a little more pressure on Zverev’s tall shoulders this evening – let’s see if he treats that as a privilege or a burden.
I certainly think it’ll be closer than last year, when Ruud demolished Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. Zverev is playing better now and possesses the bigger shots – except for that fallible forehand. Ruud has consistency, agility and an ability to dig deep on his side; he’s such a tough competitor over five sets at Roland Garros. Yet Zverev has shown in his two five-set wins this tournament that he’s happy to go the distance. Fancy another four-hour showdown after Alcaraz v Sinner? Sure you do!
We’re expecting Zverev and Ruud to step on to court in about 10/15 minutes. It’s separate tickets for each semi-final – so the fans who watched Alcaraz v Sinner have been kicked out of Chatrier – though they can’t be too disappointed after watching that. The new spectators are starting to filter in.
Carlos against Jannik is something special ❤️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/r77n74xmiC
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Youngest players to reach Grand Slam finals on ALL THREE surfaces:
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 7, 2024
*Carlos Alcaraz* - 21 years 1 month
Andre Agassi - 22 years 1 month
Bjorn Borg - 22 years 2 months
Rafael Nadal - 22 years 6 months
Jim Courier - 22 years 10 months
Top of an elite group 👏#RolandGarros
The match point:
Carlos Alcaraz: the youngest men’s player to reach a Grand Slam final on all three surfaces 🙌🇪🇸#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/OaztGD5QCy
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2024
Merci beaucoup Daniel. Wow. Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud have got a lot to live up to after that.
“You have to find the joy of suffering,” he says. “That’s the key, even more on clay.” He goes on to say that to his team all the time: “You have to enjoy suffering.”
He goes on to say that the toughest matches of his short career have come against Sinner – Djokovic may have some thoughts on that matter – and he hopes they play lots in the future.
He knew Sinner was struggling a bit in the third and he was cramping too, but learnt from last year that you need to stay calm and keep fighting because it will go away. Otherwise, he thinks the fourth and fifth set were a decent standard, then thanks the crowd in Spanish before bidding farewell.
What a lovely boy he is; what lovely boys they both are; and though Sinner will be devo’d to have lost it, he is now world no1 and will go to Wimbledon with every chance. I can’t wait, but also, I cant wait for the second semi and the good news is I don’t have to and nor do you. So here’s Katy Murrells to coax you through it; peace out and Shabbat Shalom.
We’re going to see so many more versions of this match, and it’s hard not to think they’ll all be five-setters because the pair are so superbly-matched. Neither played that well today, but also, both played plenty well, their power and creativity a total privilege to enjoy. Here’s Carlitos!
Carlos Alcaraz (3) beats Jannik Sinner (2) 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3!
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 Sinner Drying off his racket-handle, Sinner smiles and that’s great to see; he’s under the pump here, but how not to enjoy a contest of this intensity and skill – and believe both of these can play better than they have today. A heavily-spinning forehand entices Sinner to go long in response, but a tame drop allows him to sprint in and crack a backhand on to the sideline. An ace out wide follows – Alcaraz’s devotion to hitting what he feels, regardless of circumstances, isn’t a tactic it’s a philosophy – then a terrifying backhand from Sinner levels the game at 30-all. So Alcaraz again goes to the wide serve in the deuce court, again it’s too good, and this time it raises match point! Sinner, though, forces the error to make deuce, then finds yet another nails serve, again out wide with plenty margin for error, and again it’s good enough. Alcaraz breathes deeply, calming himself … and it doesn’t work, a Red-Bull forehand whizzing well long. But guess what?! A serve out wide restores advantage, a backhand down the line feels definitive … and Sinner’s riposte drops wide! Carlos Alcaraz is into the final of the French Open and will meet either Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev on Sunday!
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Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 5-3 Sinner* I’d be pretty surprised if a competitor of Sinner’s calibre didn’t demand – very politely – that Alcaraz serve for it, but a brutal forehand gives him 15-all. From there, though, Sinner quickly reaches game-point, only to net and make it tense. Tenser. A big first serve, though, secures the hold, and Alcaraz will now serve for the final.
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 5-2 Sinner Now then! Sinner chases way out to the backhand side to find a stroke that sustains a rally which looked over; Alcaraz volleys, but he races in to pat a winner across the face of the net. And he’s in the next point too, only to go long, hitting foot with racket to register disapproval in terms about as strong as he deploys. A booming forehand winner down the line soon follows, but a long forehand and a lob that’s met with an overhead bring us to deuce again. A service-winner means we’re not there long then, as a plane overhead makes a row, Sinner botches a return and remonstrates with his racket in strong terms. Alcaraz is a game away!
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 4-2 Sinner* Sinner is so solid, making 30-0 then banging a service-winner down the T; Alcaraz then nets looking to respond to a pretty tame drop.
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 4-1 Sinner Chalé! Sinner, miles out of court, power-strokes a backhand around the net-post and Alcaraz can’t respond; an error and it’s 0-30! There’s not, though, loads he can do about the next two points, both of which he loses; a long return then a long backhand, one apiece, and we’re at deuce. The way these are able to produce this level at this stage of the match is as mind-boggling as it is moving, and after Alcaraz makes advantage, a tremendous return helps restore deuce. So Alcaraz takes a swing volley out of the air for a backhand winner, a tricky pressure-shot made harder than it needed to be, then made to look easy; belatedly, he salutes the crowd saluting him, and from there he tidies up. He’s two games away and is having the time of his life out there; what a joy it is that someone gets to be him.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 3-1 Sinner* Sinner will know the jig is almost up, and from 0-30 it’s soon 30-all, Alcaraz playing a relatively poor drop before spiriting a pass cross-court. Sinner, though, unloads the suitcase at a forehand down the line – he’s found it hard to open that channel the last two sets – and a backhand down the line gets him on the board in this set.
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*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 3-0 Sinner A poor drop at 3-0 invites Sinner into the game; a netted forehand suggests he make himself comfortable. Alcaraz, though, is the host with least, Sinner half-killing himself forcing a route into the next rally only to be hoofed right out of it; a normal-service-is-resumed drop secures the consolidation.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 2-0 Sinner* Yup, a big backhand sets up the rally … but Sinner forces his way into it, only to swat a backhand wide from well inside court! This could be the match right here, but a volley makes 15-all and a long return 30-15 … before another carnally exciting lob levels the game. And here we go! Sinner nets a straightforward backhand, but goodness me what stones! What imagination! Behind the baseline, he caresses a drop to make deuce … only for Alcaraz to skid into a backhand, right in the corner, to send back a winner at a mathematically impossible angle for advantage! I cannot believe what I’ve seen there; his ability to break wrists reminds me a bit of Kevin Pietersen’s flamingo shot, and he’s soon punishing a forehand into open court for the break! We said the match might be here, and it certainly feels that way now!
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 1-0 Sinner Alcaraz looks the fresher man and, as I type, he explodes into a forehand to the corner that makes 40-0. He holds to 15, and I’d expect him to do everything he can to attack Sinner’s serve next game.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the fourth set 6-4 to level the match at 2-2!
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 Sinner* A backhand down the line reverses momentum in the first rally and a clean-up forehand makes 15-0; it’s soon 30-0. But look at this! Two backhands into the corner look to have won the next point, only for Alcaraz to hoist as lob that is, frankly, an outrage – he finishes off at the net – then Sinner clumps an overhead unnecessarily hard and the ball falls wide! How crucial might that be?! Perhaps very, because when Sinner goes long and wide, sent to the forehand corner by a tremendous forehand, he has a chance to force a decider, and will face a second serve too. AND THERE IT IS! A forehand sends Sinner to the corner, and though his response is decent, the court is open for the winner and the Italian will be feeling exceedingly poorly; he was primed for a simple hold until he made a mess of that smash, and now look! The rest of us, though, will be feeling exceptionally great, because we’re now getting another set of this joy and love.
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*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 5-4 Sinner A double hands Sinner 15-all and a terrific get, a moon-ball on to the line, puts him bang in the next point … until Alcaraz unleashes a borderline illegal forehand. Then, at 40-15, someone in the crowd is taken ill, so we pause – but not for long, and on the resumption, a netted backhand gives Sinner a sniff, then he sends a backhand wide. After a sit-down, he’ll serve to stay in the set.
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Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 4-4 Sinner* A quicksmart love-hold for Sinner, who isn’t hitting as many absurd winners as Alcaraz, but who also feels lees likely to put himself under pressure with a couple of errors.
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 4-3 Sinner Both men are playing well now, Alcaraz – in the knowledge that a break might mean the end – paints a scrumptious drop for 30-0 only to get too flash with a backhand volley, glancing it when offers plenty of simpler options. But what on earth?! Sent sprinting and stretching to the corner, he somehow powers a ludicrous winner down the line with Sinner, like all sensible people, having assumed the point was his. From there, he closes out, as news reaches us that Jasmine Paolini is through to the final of the women’s doubles with her partner, Sara Errani.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 3-3 Sinner* Alcaraz can’t take advantage of a second serve, missing with his return for 0-15 … then, after a brilliant backhand takes control of a rally at 15-all, he dumps an overhead. But have an absolute look! He dashes in to respond to a drop and legs again akimbo, he invents an angle I’ve never seen before, a winner sent across the face of the net. Sinner, though, is nails under pressure and finds two first serves that allow him to dictate the next two points and secure his hold. This is great stuff.
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*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 3-2 Sinner From behind the baseline, Sinner finds a glorious angle to go cross on the forehand, cleaning up with another down the line. But Alcaraz makes 30-15, again giving his shots just a little more air to send his opponent’s timing out of whack, before a terrific point – serve out wide, big backhand, deft volley – allows him to secure the game with an ace. He’s playing nicely again…
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 2-2 Sinner* Alcaraz is vexed after looping a forehand long; a netted return then an ace do not improve his countenance. But what a shot he produces when given room by an errant serve, a lovely forehand muscled into the corner for a winner. it does him no good, a forehand sent long ceding the game, and knowing that a break could mean curtains, he’s under quite some pressure next game.
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*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 2-1 Sinner A backhand into the net-cord means 0-15, but a drop-lob combo allow a forehand down the line, Sinner having done all he could to drag an overhead into play. An ace follows, then a strange – and high-class rally in which sinner appears to go long, but there’s no call so Alcaraz plays on, sending a forehand wide; a mahoosive serve redeems the situation, then a lush serve/half-volley combo-move secures the hold.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 1-1 Sinner* Excellent work from Sinner crafting the chance to spank a forehand winner cross-court; it gives him 40-0, and a long return means another swift hold.
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 1-0 Sinner “When Alcaraz happened everyone expected him to be a new dawn,” says Krishnamoorthy V. “Was it another false one? With Federer and Nadal out of the picture and Djokovic showing the first signs that he might actually be a human after all, the next generation is conspicuously missing.” I’m not sure about that – Alcaraz is only 21 and has two majors, whereas Djokovic and Federer didn’t win their first until that age while Nadal was 22 when he won his first that wasn’t the French. Anyhow, Alcaraz holds to 15, sealing the deal with an ace, and he needs to refind the aggression that he deployed in set two.
Jannik Sinner wins the third set to lead 2-1!
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-6 Sinner* I meant to say, before that last game, Sinner had the trainer out again – not for a medical timeout but for an arm-massage – so we know he’s got a problem. At 15-all, though, he comes forward behind a succession of sizeable forehands, one big enough to secure the point, an ace down the T follows, and when Alcaraz nets a forehand, Sinner has a 2-1 lead!
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*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 3-5 Sinner Email! “I was wondering if you have an idea why Sinner’s 1st serve percentage has been consistently low,” writes Jonas Canizares. “Is he getting enough height on the toss for an optimal contact point? Is he not pronating enough when he hits the ball? From what I’m seeing, it seems he’s missing most first serves not because it doesn’t clear the net, but because it goes a tad long beyond the service line.” I wonder if the wind is either taking the ball outside the box or inciting him to overhit … but maybe he’s just having a bad serving day. Imagine being able to do what he’s done today and it be not good enough. Anyroad, a fine return earns him 30-all, the set just two points away, but from there Alcaraz closes out; he’ll have to serve for it. P-R-E-S-S-U-R-E.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 2-5 Sinner* Just as I’m typing Sinner is back playing as he did in set one, he skids in to punch away a volley … and nets for 15-30. A decent second serve followed by a big forehand, though, levels the game, then a sensational second serve, cut so fine it makes the air bleed, helps secure the consolidation. Four in a row for Sinner now, and he’s one away from a 2-1 lead.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 2-4 Sinner* Sinner has the trainer out massaging his forearm but he was absolutely zetzing forehands in that last game so is hopefully fine. And he makes 0-15 only to be diddled by a lob, but when he’s asked in via drop, his response is good enough to facilitate an overhead winner next shot. Then, at 30-all, Alcaraz plays a decent volley so Sinner rushes in to go line; the riposte is netted, raising break point … botched when a backhand is sent long, the down-the-line channel having been forced open. A big forehand, though, earns advantage … quickly eradicated with serve-volley one-two. The games are getting longer and even tenser, all the more so when Alcaraz goes long on the backhand. And goodness gracious me! Sent almost into the stands by an almost-perfect first serve, Sinner uses the extra angle and breaks his wrists to send a barely believable backhand cross-court at an oblique angle to secure the break! That is absolutely ridiculous behaviour!
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 2-3 Sinner* Up 15-30, Alcaraz delivers one of his trademark forehands out of nowhere, increasing the heat with no apparent increase of effort. Two break points, but Sinner is in trouble, ironing out his forearms and asking for the trainer – is he struggling with intensity-induced cramp, similar to that which kiboshed Alcaraz at this stage last year? Well, he finds a way to make deuce … then delivers a double … then serves into the net … then serves a let; that won’t be helping him control the tension, but a colossal forehand sets up the putaway, and this feels like a crucial game now. And Sinner takes a big step towards making it his by sending Alcaraz wide then crunching a forehand winner down the line … then delivers his fourth double of the set. Then, after burning another game-point, a poor drop, sent back with interest, means another breaking opportunity … spurned via overhit, underpsun backhand. From there, Sinner closes out with an ace and service-winner; what was all the fuss about?
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*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 2-2 Sinner It feels like the better clay-courter – and, perhaps the better player – is now playing the better, another winner making 15-all. But a double gives up 30-all, thwacking from the back raises break-back point, and a tremendous return, backed up by a forehand winner into the corner, give Sinner a badly needed tonic. We’re back on serve in set three, and these two are so well-matched.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 2-1 Sinner* A double means 0-15, then another barrage of shots, spin and velocity varied, sees a backhand loop wide; Sinner has only won 1/5 second-serve points this set. And a further error means two breaking opportunities, a monster followed by an ace taking us to deuce. And look at that! Offered a short forehand, Alcaraz ninjas a forehand winner that breaks the sideline, Sinner goes long on the backhand … or does he? Nope, he doesn’t – he lands a ball punkt in the middle of the line … for all the good it does him! Because next rally, he sends Alcaraz to the backhand corner … only for the Spaniard to skid and stretch into a cross-court winner that’s inspirationally, mortifyingly brilliant, and there is the break! He’s got his joy back and he’s bang on top now!
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 1-1 Sinner Alcaraz is holding comfortably now, trashing gorgeously from the back at 40-15 to secure the game. He’s remembered to smile now, and his clay-court smarts are also asserting themselves.
Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 0-1 Sinner* Now it’s Sinner who needs to have a think – he was a break up in set two, remember – but a fourth double hands over 15-30. Alcaraz, though, swings wide having opened up a channel down the line, and from there the game swiftly disappears. Might we be reaching that elusive point at which both players play well?
Carlos Alcaraz wins the second set 6-3 to level the match at 1-1!
*Alcaraz 2-6 6-3 Sinner At 30-0, Alcaraz lands a serve just the wrong side of the T then, after an inspection, nets a backhand. No matter: a lovely drop raises two set points, a backhand return is plenty long, and Alcaraz is dominating now!
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Alcaraz 2-6 5-3 Sinner* A banging backhand cross makes 0-15, but Sinner clatters a winner of his own to level things – that feels like his first of those in a while. Which may or may not be the case, but it’s certainly the case that he’s doing so less often, Alcaraz doing a better job of keeping him on the move and keeping him guessing. From there, though, Sinner closes out, forcing his opponent to serve for the set – with new balls, which won’t do him any harm.
*Alcaraz 2-6 5-2 Sinner We said at the start that this match was likely to be decided by how well our players play, not how they play, and that’s been the case so far: Sinner was great in set one and Alcaraz was poor, whereas now he’s got his timing, especially on the forehand. Perhaps it took him a while to adjust to the court given the sun, or perhaps he was nervous; perhaps both. An error at 40-15, though, makes the consolidation tense, and a forehand into the corner from Sinner is enough for deuce – though Alcaraz almost lands an improbable riposte. Gosh, two big forehands lands really close to the line but make advantage, and from there, he secures the game. This is on a rolling boil now and there’s plenty more to come from both.
Alcaraz 2-6 4-2 Sinner* At 15-all, Alcaraz a backhand slice, but what a lob he conjures thereafter, even if Sinner had no business picking him out with plenty else at which to aim. And might it cost him? Alcaraz has that forehand working now, another booming expletive setting up a volley with Sinner stranded. And what a holler we hear when Sinner wallops a forehand wide! That’s the break and do we go ourselves a ball-game? We got ourselves a ball-game!
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*Alcaraz 2-6 3-2 Sinner At 30-0, the comfy hold Alcaraz badly needs looks within grasp, but a double – greeted with a yelp of anguish – soon levels things. Sinner than swats a backhand wide having come in – that was a chance – and a monstrous forehand into the corner allows a straightforward putaway into the space. Much, much better from Alzcaraz and he leads a set for the first time.
Alcaraz 2-6 2-2 Sinner* A forehand error from Sinner then a jazzer from Alcaraz and suddenly it’s 0-30; is the Italian cooling a little? He might be! A double follows, and after a return drops out, Alcaraz again gets that forehand going, an exocet sent cross-court giving him the break-back! Do we got ourselves a ball-game?
*Alcaraz 2-6 1-2 Sinner Alcaraz has only held once and again finds himself down 0-15, but a leaping crackerjack of a forehand, inside-out to the corner, will have him feeling marginally better. Then, at 30-15, he wins a net battle, looking one way while playing his half-volley the other – that is beautiful and a tiny slice of pure, unadulterated Carlitos – finishes the point with a backhand down the line, then secures the game. Better from the Wimbledon champ.
Alcaraz 2-6 0-2 Sinner* Alcaraz played a bit better in the second half of the first set so it seemed fair to expect his improvement to continue; not so. Up 0-15, a backhand return zips long and wide, prompting much chuntering; those smiles that defuse tense moments are currently conspicuous by their absence. Still, a double gives him a sniff … but then Sinner canes a forehand on to the baseline and Alcaraz can’t control his response. He’s ticking here and I’m not surprised - this might be the worst I’ve seen him play – and when he’s hauled into the net via drop, the forehand clean-up is inevitable.
*Alcaraz 2-6 0-1 Sinner Alcaraz has some thinking to do. He’s already tried giving the ball more air, but the main issue, I think, was is how often he’s been missing on the forehand. And he doesn’t even get to hit one in the first point, a double handing over 0-15 … then another forehand error making 0-30. So needing the next point, he goes for it on second serve and is rewarded for that bravery, then a luscious drop levels things. Again, though, a poor groundstroke – this time on the backhand side – means a chance for another break, and facing a second delivery, Sinner will be aggravated that his backhand return falls long. But in a sadly predictable turn of events, yet another overhit forehand cedes advantage, a loopy return lands close to the line, and goodness me: Alcaraz goes long again! Sinner leads by a set and a break!
Jannik Sinner wins the first set 6-2!
Alcaraz 2-6 Sinner* Every now and again Alcaraz ups the forehand pace to supersonic, but generally Sinner seems to be thumping it harder and quickly makes 30-0. And though an error invites his opponent into the game, more concussive forehands raise 40-15 … then two rubbish ones take us to deuce! But a short ball from Alcaraz allows Sinner to take control of the next rally with a forehand into the corner, and eventually he forces the error, then a drop floats into the net and that is a very impressive set (of tennis) from the new world no1.
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Alcaraz 2-5 Sinner* At 40-15, Alcaraz nets unnecessarily – he just can’t get his rhythm – Sinner isn’t letting him – and then a forehand down the line and into the corner earns a chance to drop and it’s good enough to force a netted response; deuce. And, well, eesh: a double follows … but Sinner surprisingly nets a forehand. No matter: Alcaraz nets another forehand – this is becoming an issue for him – then a sensational rally, featuring a drop, a lob and various gets, ends when the Spaniard hammers a forehand cross fractionally wide. He’s been broken three times in the set, and those are not words anyone supposed to type. After a little sit-down, Sinner will serve for 1-0!
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Alcaraz 2-4 Sinner* With his opponent stranded at the net, Sinner clobbers a forehand pass for 15-0, but a succession of big forehands control the next rally – that’s pretty much how Alcaraz wants the points to look – and he levels the game, then again at 30-all with a lob on to the line that sets up overhead putaway. And what’s this? A Sinner error means break point, then they go backhand to backhand … and it’s the Italian who errs! Alcaraz has a break back, and though it may be too late to save this set, he’ll feel much better for it.
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*Alcaraz 1-4 Sinner Almost every point on the Alcaraz serve is a struggle and Sinner makes 0-15 when a big forehand is enough to end the longest rally of the match so far at 20 strokes. The Spaniard, though. is adjusting, giving the ball more air at 30-15 before punishing a backhand winner down the line that’s followed by a loud “Vamos!” and fist-pump as he tries to get himself going. He closes out well after that, and is on the board.
Alcaraz 0-4 Sinner* On Monday, Sinner will be the new world number one, and he’s playing like he is – everything is unrushed, and he’s winning points easily – that’s a second love-hold out of two, and already, this set looks did.
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*Alcaraz 0-3 Sinner Is Alcaraz is getting there? He makes 30-15 with a backhand winner. But Sinner returns a serve that’s nearly an ace with an excellent forehand hook into the corner and from there he levels the game – at the moment, he’s building the points better, and a backhand winner on to the line offers a point for a second break! And what on earth! Another decent return from Sinner asks a question, but a shank off the frame isn’t the wrong answer anyone was expecting and that is indeed a double break! It’s worth noting that in last year’s Wimbledon final, Djokovic won the first set 6-1, but Alcaraz isn’t in the kind of form now that he was in then.
Alcaraz 0-2 Sinner* I can’t get my head around why Sinner wears a rust-coloured t-shirt – perhaps to camouflage himself in the clay, but then why not bin the hat to get the barnet involved? While we ponder these vital questions, the man himself holds to love, and he’s looking great out there – winning in Australia has raised both his ceiling and floor.
*Alcaraz 0-1 Sinner (*denotes server) At 15-0 we see Sinner come in and, though he’s pushed back, he’s not pushed all the way back, and he backpeddles to paste a forehand winner cross-court from the backhand side. And have a look! A terrific slides sees him, legs akimbo, crack a backhand winner cross from round about the same spot – these are very good signs. Alcaraz, though, makes 40-30 … only to then net, tentative with the point at his Murcia mercy, settling himself with an ace down the T. But when he tries his first drop, Sinner chases it down – there’s that higher bounce – then makes advantage. Already this is an intense, compelling contest that feels like it could still be going on tomorrow – please! – and when Alcaraz dumps a second forehand, Sinner has the break!
Alcaraz to serve and … play.
These two have played eight times so far and it’s 4-4. And remember last year, Alcaraz’s body – and, if we’re honest, mind – gave up on him against Djokovic, the stress of the contest causing him to cramp up. That won’t happen today because he’ll have made certain it won’t happen again, ever, but he won’t have forgotten it.
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Our players are in the tunnel, stretching. I cannot wait for this, and the happy chance is that I don’t have to – we’re ready, and here they come!
I guess I’m leaning Sinner, now that you don’t ask, because I think he has greater momentum. But if Alacaraz is at it, as the better, more experienced clay-courter – and still, just about, I think, the better player – I’d go with him
It’s sunny today, which means decent pace and bounce – and yes I did type that in Michael Holding’s voice. I wonder if that might help Sinner, as Alcaraz loves a drop, but as I consider that, Àlex Corretja explains that it might favour Carlitos, who uses more top-spin on the forehand and is better at moving side to side.
Calvin Betton, our resident coach, messages on the second semi: “If it’s FH to FH then Ruud, if it’s BH To BH, Zverev. Zverrev has the best first serve in the game and best BH in the game plus he makes a lot of them; Ruud’s BH is very poor.”
And of course that’s not our only match: later on, Katy Murrells will coax you through Casper Ruud v Alexander Zverev in a repeat of last year’s semi – which Ruud won in three. I’m not sure it’ll be like that this time, but – Zverev has improved a lot since then and has the bigger weapons. Consequently, if he plays well he almost definitely wins, but if Ruud can get after what remains a dicky forehand – he’s just better at hiding it now – and second serve, he’s a chance.
Preamble
Tennis is in a funny place at the moment; a funny place, but a great place. When watching the women’s competitions, we’re generally clueless as to what might come to pass – who had Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini as semi-finalists? No one. Whereas watching the men, we feel like we more or less know – who had Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev as semi-finalists? Er, everyone? The only surprise is the absence of Novak Djokovic, and but for injury he’d presumably have found a way of sneaking in.
Now, though, who knows? Over the last year or so, Jannik Sinner has discovered his best self, adding pop to his already nails groundstrokes and improving his hands at the net. He also knows he can come from behind then stay calm enough to see out the win, in the final of a Grand Slam – and that he’s still got plenty of improving left to do.
Carlos Alcaraz knows the same things – yes, without the staying calm bit, but that’s the beauty of him and a beauty of this contest. Like Sinner, he’ll attack everything, but unlike Sinner, you simply cannot predict how; the tuissle is artist v artisan, jamming v playing and freestyling v rapping.
So what are the points of difference? Well, Sinner hits it slightly harder but Alcaraz hits it slightly more consistently, and on clay the latter is of slightly greater use. But on this occasion the sense is that style – how they play – will be subservient to substance – how well they play. Or, in other words, I don’t have a clue, and anyone who says they do is lying. What, though, feels certain, is that this match-up is not just the present but the future – and it’s going to be great.
Play: not before 2.30pm local, 1.30pm BST
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