Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz 2023 French Open Semifinals Preview

• Carlos Alcaraz defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the French Open semis
• Novak Djokovic outlasted Karen Khachanov in four sets to reach his 12th tournament semi
• Alcaraz holds a 1-0 lead over Djokovic in their head-to-head matchup in Madrid last year

The match that we have all been waiting for is finally here.

On Friday at Roland Garros, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will lock horns in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open.

Sports Brief breaks down this blockbuster clash between two of tennis’ biggest stars.

Carlos Alcaraz's road to semis

Alcaraz will head to his semifinal showdown with Djokovic with momentum on his side after thrashing Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

The world No. 1 brushed aside the Greek star in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (5), in a match that lasted two hours and 12 minutes.

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Alcaraz has been in phenomenal form this tournament, as he has dropped just one set in this year’s event. He is also averaging 35.2 winners per match in this year’s French Open.

The Spaniard blasted 36 winners in the match against Tsitsipas, per Roland Garros.

Alcaraz will also take heart in the fact that he has gotten the better of Djokovic in their lone meeting before. He defeated the Serbian 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the semifinals of the Madrid Masters last year.

Novak Djokovic's road to semis

Djokovic has the edge when it comes to experience in this titanic matchup. He has won the French Open twice in his illustrious career, capturing the title in 2016 and 2021.

The former world No. 1 showed that experience in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, coming back from a set down to beat Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4.

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Djokovic came into the contest having won 29 successive sets in Grand Slams, per BBC. Khachanov ended that incredible streak in just under an hour with a 6-4 set win in the opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The Serbian found another level in the second-set tiebreak, winning it 7-0 to level match. It was one-way traffic after that with the ace reaching his 12th French Open semifinal.

Djokovic blasted 57 winners and won 77 percent of his first serve points against Khachanov. He will need more of the same against Alcaraz for him to reach another final at Roland Garros.

Sabalenka beats Svitolina

Sports Brief also reported on Aryna Sabalenka's win over Elina Svitolina in the French Open quarterfinals.

Sabalenka needed one hour and 36 minutes to record the 6-4, 6-4 victory in their clash on Tuesday.

The Belarusian star will next face Karolina Muchova in the semifinals at Roland Garros.