French Open: 'Superhuman' Carlos Alcaraz can use his speed to beat 'genius' Novak Djokovic – Mats Wilander
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Updated 07/06/2023 at 10:23 GMT
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will meet in the French Open semi-final on Friday in what has the potential to be an all-time classic. There will be plenty of debate when considering who is the favourite but Eurosport expert Mats Wilander believes Alcaraz may have too much for the 22-time Grand Slam winner. Stream the 2023 French Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk.
'Superhuman' Alcaraz can use his speed to beat 'genius' Djokovic - Wilander
The speed of "superhuman" Carlos Alcaraz may be "just too much" for even Novak Djokovic in their French Open semi-final, according to Eurosport expert Mats Wilander.
Alcaraz, 20, produced a sensational performance to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 6-1 7-6(5) on Tuesday – a display he described as “one of the best” in his career – to set up a mouth-watering clash with Djokovic with a place in the final of Roland-Garros at stake.
At times it felt like an exhibition as Alcaraz underlined his credentials with a showing that could be compared with some of tennis’ greatest players.
The confidence displayed by Alcaraz – both on and off the court - impressed Wilander.
"Carlos Alcaraz has lit the professional tennis world on fire. People are talking about him more and more. Tactically he has been incredible without losing his identity on the tennis court," said Wilander.
"Sitting watching him live is incredible. He comes from nowhere and smacks the forehand so hard that it’s nearly a lack of respect for the game itself. He’s OK with people routing for the other guy as we all just want to see more of Carlitos.
"I actually can’t believe he said his confidence is very high, that’s incredible. He is playing Novak Djokovic next and is coming out with these words, it’s different playing someone you’ve beaten a few times before but they haven’t played that many times. It’s just incredible.
"He is superhuman, there is hope for mankind when you see an athlete like Carlos Alcaraz."
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On the problems Alcaraz could cause Djokovic, Wilander continued: "He [Djokovic] is going to be able to find solutions for sure. But physically, I mean Novak is a genius physically, but the speed around the court that Alcaraz has is just maybe a little bit too much for even Novak."
Alcaraz has proven to be a fans’ favourite at Roland-Garros while, at times, Djokovic has had to withstand some jeers from the crowd.
However, Wilander believes Djokovic will have the support of the crowd when the two meet on Friday.
“Well, I mean, they're going to be behind Novak Djokovic in the beginning, I think,” he said.
“Because I think everybody has to sense that there's a problem here for Novak Djokovic each. Carlos is playing so well, so I have a feeling that they think that Novak is the one that's going to have to put up a fight to be honest. And Novak will be able to do that."
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Djokovic was quizzed about Alcaraz in his post-match press conference after beating Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-6(0) 6-2 6-4 and admitted that he reminded him of Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian said: "Well, he carries himself very well. No doubt a very nice guy on and off the court. Brings a lot of intensity on the court. Reminds me of someone from his country that plays with a left hand...
"He deserves his success, no doubt. He's working hard, and he very complete player already and only 20.
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"So we played only once in Madrid last year, 7-6 in the third for him. We haven't played since. Most of the tournaments this year we were not in the same draw but here we are.
"It's definitely the biggest challenge for me, you know, so far in the tournament. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He's definitely a guy to beat here. I'm looking forward to that."
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