Alcaraz advances as Musetti retires injured

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced on Friday into a second straight final at the French Open as Lorenzo Musetti was forced to quit their semi-final  injured.

The Italian hung on for two and a half hours before retiring to hand Alcaraz a 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 win.

The Spanish second seed will play the winner from top seed Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, facing off in the second semi-final.

While details of Musetti’s injury remained unknown, the eighth seed suffered a notable fall-off in form as he lost the third set to love after giving Alcaraz a battle in the first two chapters at Roland Garros.

Alcaraz will be aiming for his fifth Grand Slam title in the Sunday final.

“It’s never great to go through to a win like this,” he said. “Lorenzo is a great player and has done an incredible clay season (Monte Carlo final versus Alcaraz and semis in Madrid and Rome).

“I wish him all the best and a quick recovery. I’m sure we will be enjoying his tennis pretty soon.”

Musetti won the opening set on a single break of serve and twice came from breaks down in the second set before Alcaraz nicked it in a tiebreaker.

The Spaniard ran away with the third as Musetti began to fade before giving up two games into the fourth set.

Carlos Alcaraz leaves court with a smile as he reaches Final – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd

“The first two sets were really tough and I could not make the most of my chances,” Alcaraz said. “When I won the second there was some relief.

“I  knew what I had to do: push him to the limit and not let him dominate.

“I was more calm, things became clearer and I could play good tennis.”

Alcaraz was due to watch the second semi-final with interest. “I won’t miss it, Sinner versus Djokovic is one of the best (match-ups) we have in tennis.

“Physically I’m feeling great, it’s been three intensive weeks here. But I’m playing a great tennis with a lot of confidence.

“Now is the time to give my 100 per cent and go for the final on Sunday.”

Alcaraz improved to 6-1 in his series with three wins over the Italian this season. He now stands 33-2 on clay over the past year and 18-1 in Paris.