Using every bit of his superiority in experience and fitness, Djokovic beat a cramping Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to reach his 34th major final. That allowed Djokovic to move closer to a 23rd Grand Slam championship, which would break a tie with rival Rafael Nadal for the men’s record.
“I can understand the emotions and circumstances that affect you mentally and emotionally. … Maybe for the first time in his career, he was expected to win,” Djokovic said. “It’s a part of the learning curve.”
Score one for the old guys.
“I’ve never felt the tension that I did in that match,” said Alcaraz, who said the stress he sensed because of the stakes, and the daunting foe across the net, caused cramps in “every part of my body.”
“He has been in that situation multiple times,” Alcaraz said. “More than me.”
On Sunday, Djokovic will meet No. 4 Casper Ruud, who eliminated No. 22 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0.