French Open 2023 semi-final result: Novak Djokovic defeats a cramping Carlos Alcaraz to keep quest for major No.23 alive

It’s all over! Djokovic cruises through the last two sets after a blockbuster of an encounter was upended in Set 3 with Alcaraz cramping.

The Serb did well to stay focused, dropping just two games from there to serve out on his second match point and reach his seventh RG final after three hours and 23 minutes.

The two-time champion is now just one victory away from his third title in Paris and a record 23rd major.

Alcaraz finally remembers what it’s like to get on the board again with a hold to 30.

The ignominy of the bagel is avoided but Djokovic will now serve for the match.

There’s a slither of resistance from the top seed. He prods a lovely winner up the line following a clever drop shot for 15-30 but then volleys long and misses out on a break point.

Djokovic almost looks to incite the crowd to help his focus, roaring between points and the boos are music to his ears as he holds from deuce with the third ace of the game to move within one of the final.

Alcaraz flashes long and it’s the double break. What a sad way for this match to end.

Alcaraz is moving more and asking a few more questions of Nole but the Serb backs up his break with an easy hold to 15 and it’ll soon be too late even if Charlie does have a sudden improvement in his physical state.

This match looks done. Djokovic breaks to 15 and the only question left is whether Alcaraz will retire or see out the set/match?

The No.3 seed has found it tricky to deal with the collapse of the spine-tingling atmosphere around the court and how to handle a player who has gone from a whirl of speed into a limping obstacle jerking from side to side at the opposite end of the net.

It's a surprise to see him needing a clutch serve down the T to fend off a break point but he overcomes some malfunctions, particularly with his drop shots, to swat away a second BP and let out a roar as he secures a tricky hold.

But he's not exactly bouncing around out there - and, the fact is, he usually is.

A toilet break and further treatment?

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It’s so disappointing given the heights the match had started to reach.

Djokovic breaks again and moves into a two-sets-to-one lead. He’s closing in on the final.

‘It’s like playing with one arm pinned behind your back,’ says Simon Reed on Eurosport commentary duty.

Djokovic stays focused to do what he needs to do as he backs up the break.

The question now is how long it will take for Alcaraz to see some improvement or not?

This set is over as Nole strolls through an insurance break against the labouring World No.1 – but how long’s left in the match?

Alcaraz is clearly distraught. Can the physicians work their magic to inspire some upsurge or is it all over?

The trainer is back on at the sit-down.

Alcaraz is clearly in real discomfort. He’s just swinging at the return here like a boxer on the ropes.

Djokovic battles himself more than his opponent and somehow ends up at deuce.

Alcaraz has a swish at earning break back point but slaps into the net and Nole finds the open court on the next point to consolidate in the most bizarre of circumstances.

Hard to see Alcaraz turning the tide here now that it's set in.

The French crowd boo incessantly.

The umpire tries to explain it's all about the rules, but the fans don't want to hear it.

Alcaraz was the one who made the choice to call for treatment.

Oh dear. Alcaraz can barely walk. He’s pulled up with his calf after failing to make anything of a game he had a half chance in at 15-30.

Djokovic comes around the net to see if he’s okay.

The Spaniard will have to forfeit the points on his own serve to get treatment.

Real drama here!

What a way to finish off an opening hold.

Alcaraz may have been feeling he should have finished Nole earlier than this but a 1-2 punch at 30-30 and a sumptuous crosscourt lob do the job very nicely indeed.