Carlos Alcaraz returned to the French Open final after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while trailing the defending champion 4-6, 7-6(3) 6-0, 2-0. Alcaraz progresses to set up a Roland Garros title match against either Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner.
Musetti, the Italian eighth seed, struggled with a left leg injury that hampered his movement in the third set and he threw in the towel after he was broken early in the fourth. Musetti had been leading and was playing well, winning the first set and looking confident in the second. Alcaraz needed to win an important second-set tiebreak to turn the match around.
However, the 21-year-old defending champion Alcaraz recorded his sixth consecutive victory over Musetti, including his third win in a row over him this clay-court season. Alcaraz has now won 13 consecutive matches at the French Open and will bid for a second Roland Garros title on Sunday.
Later, Djokovic takes on World No 1 Sinner in the second of a mouthwatering pair of semi-final matches in Paris. Djokovic is bidding to become the oldest male grand slam champion in the Open era but Sinner has won the last two grand slam titles and has beaten Djokovic in their last three meetings.
Follow live updates and scores from the French Open below
French Open LIVE: Latest scores and updates
- French Open men's semi-final day arrives at Roland Garros
- Carlos Alcaraz through to final after Lorenzo Musetti retires injured in fourth set
- Alcaraz won key second-set tiebreak to lead before Musetti started to struggle
- Novak Djokovic then takes on World No 1 Jannik Sinner in second semi-final
- Coco Gauff to play Aryna Sabalenka in women's singles final tomorrow
When is Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner?
17:00 , Mike JonesThe match will be the second men’s semi-final on Friday 6 June and will follow the previous contest between Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti. It won’t start before 6pm BST (7pm local time).
Musetti has retired injured, sending Alcaraz through to the final. So Djokovic and Sinner will start on time shortly before 6pm.
Angry Carlos Alcaraz out of trouble as Lorenzo Musetti retires from French Open semi-final
16:51 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz returned to the French Open final after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured, sending the defending champion through to play against either Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner on Sunday. Musetti, the Italian eighth seed, struggled with a left leg injury and quit the match after losing his eighth consecutive game, with Alcaraz progressing 4-6 7-6 (3) 6-0 2-0.
Alcaraz was in a spot of bother, though, before Musetti’s movement became too hampered for the match to be competitive. The 21-year-old had to dig deep and raise his level in the key second-set tiebreak. Musetti was looking confident and enjoying his first French Open semi-final, with Alcaraz growing frustrated and desperately needing to snap himself into focus.
.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Angry Carlos Alcaraz out of trouble as Lorenzo Musetti retires from French Open semi
Carlos Alcaraz reaches French Open final
16:43 , Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
16:40 , Mike JonesWe know the first of the men’s French Open finalists and now just need the second.
Tonight’s action is headlined by perhaps the match of the tournament with Novak Djokovic going toe-to-toe with Jannik Sinner.
Either of these men will give Carlos Alcaraz a tough match in the final but who will make it through?
'I'm feeling great!'
16:32 , Mike JonesAlcaraz was also asked how it feels to reach consecutive French Open finals.
He said: "Right now, I'm feeling great and feeling good.
“It has been three intense weeks. I feel that I'm playing great tennis.
"I'm just going to give everything on Sunday. I've been doing great things in this tournament."
Alcaraz on tonight's other semi-final
16:28 , Mike JonesAlcaraz said he will be watching Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in the second men's semi-final later today.
"For sure. I'm not going to miss it,” was his reply when asked if he would be tuning in.
“This match is one of the best match-ups we have in tennis right now.
"It is going to be great tennis. I'm going to watch it, and I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to take tactics from the match.
"They're going to play great tennis."
More from Alcaraz
16:24 , Mike Jones"The first two sets were really tough. I had chances to break his serve in the match and I couldn't make the most of it.
"He was playing great tennis. When I won the second set there was relief. In the third set, I knew what I had to do in the beginning - pushing him to the limit and trying to be aggressive.
"I was more calm and I could see this more clear and I could play great tennis."
Carlos Alcaraz reaches French Open final
16:22 , Mike Jones
Alcaraz on Musetti's injury
16:20 , Mike Jones“It’s not great getting through or winning the match like this. Lorenzo is a great player, he has done an incredible clay season.
“He is one of the few players who has achieved semi-finals. I wish him all the best and a quick recovery.”
Carlos Alcaraz reaches French Open final
16:17 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz becomes the second Spanish man to reach five Grand Slam finals, after Rafael Nadal.
He is also just the third active male player to contest as many as five Grand Slam finals, after Novak Djokovic (37) and Daniil Medvedev (six).
Carlos Alcaraz reaches French Open final
16:10 , Mike JonesWe’ll have some reaction from Carlos Alcaraz shortly. The Spaniard is back into the French Open final and will have a chance to defend his title.
His opponent will either be Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz revealed he will watch the match, enjoy it and take some tactics away from it.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 6-0 2-0 Lorenzo Musetti*
16:06 , Mike JonesMusetti is finding it more and more difficult to move around the court. He needs to win this set to keep the match alive but things don’t look good.
At 30-30 he double faults, Alcaraz then meets the next serve and pings his return down the line to break serve!
With that Lorenzo Musetti shakes his head. He takes off his headband and retires from the match!
His injury is too much for him and after conceding a break decides that is enough.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 6-0 1-0 Lorenzo Musetti
16:02 , Mike JonesAlcaraz begins the fourth set in much the same way as he ended the third. He’s working Musetti across the baseline and trying to force the Italian to stretch that sore leg.
Musetti is very ginger and tentative. Alcaraz’s accuracy is too good for him and he can’t reach shots that he would usually.
A hold of serve to love puts the Spaniard into the lead.
SET! Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 6-0 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:58 , Mike JonesThis set is gone now for Musetti. He just needs to find a bit of rhythm and take that into the next set.
Alcaraz isn’t letting him off the hook. He comes forward and whips a forehand past the Italian who seems a little dumbstruck.
Alcaraz sets up two set points and meets a serve with a backhand push which Musetti lets go.
Six games on the bounce for Alcaraz in this set and he moves into the lead.
Musetti seems slightly hampered by an injury at the top of his leg.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 5-0 Lorenzo Musetti
15:53 , Mike JonesWhat a response this has been from Carlos Alcaraz.
After losing that opening set he’s properly switched it on. The defending champion has taken advantage of Lorenzo Musetti’s drop in form and momentum and has flow through the third set.
The Spaniard is firing on all cylinders now. Musetti can’t handle the serve and in no time flat Alcaraz is up to 40-0.
A blistering forehand down the line gives him another game and he’s just one away from winning the third set.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 4-0 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:50 , Flo CliffordMusetti was so composed, so focused in the first two sets, but it’s falling apart now. A forehand error opens this service game before a moment of wizardry by Alcaraz on the cross-court forehand puts him 0-40 down.
He’s saved a break to love by a truly wild Alcaraz strike, but goes long on the backhand on the next rally and this set is running away from him.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 3-0 Lorenzo Musetti
15:46 , Flo CliffordOne-way traffic now. Musetti has two points so far in this set, Alcaraz 10.
But a glorious cross-court forehand shows there’s life in the Italian yet!
But he jumps onto a smash, a bit too keenly, and fires wide.
Into the net goes the 23-year-old and with another fist pump towards his box, Alcaraz heads to his chair with a very nice 3-0 lead.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 2-0 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:44 , Flo CliffordAnd the early break goes Alcaraz’s way! Musetti defends doggedly, getting every ball back in play, but it’s a case of one smash too far as a return lob is sent out of court.
At just a shade over two hours, the momentum has swung the way of the defending champion.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 1-0 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:42 , Flo CliffordWhat a difference. Alcaraz is on the front foot now, attacking each point, gesturing to the crowd to make some noise, fist-pumping every point, and looks set to wear the eighth seed down now - but the Italian responds with a lovely one-two of his own and a fine forehand.
The crowd roars its appreciation at another Alcaraz stunner, sending the Italian all over the court. Musetti has his head in his hands as he fluffs a pick-up near the net.
He goes long on the next point for 15-40, and this feels like the end of the road.
The first is saved as Alcaraz gets to a backhand volley but plants his return into the net.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) 1-0 Lorenzo Musetti
15:39 , Alex PattleAlcaraz follows up a strong second serve by hammering a forehand winner into open space.
Another fine serve, and this time Musetti’s return flies high... and lands long.
Deft drop shot by Alcaraz, his signature weapon, and Musetti can’t beat the second bounce.
Again, Alcaraz slams down a serve to set up a winner on the next shot. Lovely one-two.
He holds to love.
GAME AND SECOND SET! TIE-BREAK: Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 7-6(3) Lorenzo Musetti
15:34 , Flo CliffordInto the net by Musetti and we’re level on Chatrier!
A trademark “Vamos!” by the defending champ as he shakes his fist at his box.
TIE-BREAK: Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-6 Lorenzo Musetti
15:33 , Flo CliffordMusetti dives to make a superb second serve out wide by Alcaraz, but can’t get it over the net. Four set points at 6-1, the first on Musetti’s serve.
A nice one-two by Musetti, whipping the forehand in behind his opponent, 6-2.
Alcaraz can’t get any real purchase on another serve, but has the chance to seal it on his own serve now at 6-3.
TIE-BREAK: Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-6 Lorenzo Musetti
15:31 , Flo CliffordOh dear. A tame backhand into the net by Musetti and he’s annoyed by that.
Alcaraz gets lucky with a net cord, a drop shot just hitting the tape and falling onto the right side, and he leads 5-1 at the change of ends.
TIE-BREAK: Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-6 Lorenzo Musetti
15:29 , Flo CliffordA kick serve wide followed with a lovely cross-court backhand gives Alcaraz a healthy 3-0 lead.
But he jumps on a Musetti second serve and plants it well wide. 3-1.
TIE-BREAK: Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-6 Lorenzo Musetti
15:28 , Flo CliffordFirst blood Alcaraz, getting the mini-break with an overhead smash that just bounces too high for the Italian.
He gets on the front foot, forcing Musetti deep into the court, and breaks down his defence as the Italian goes long. 2-0 to the defending champ.
BREAK BACK! *Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-6 Lorenzo Musetti
15:26 , Flo CliffordAnd the Italian has two chances to break straight back! He wins a superb baseline exchange with a thunderous cross-court backhand!
And Alcaraz goes narrowly long! To a tie-break we go...
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-5 Lorenzo Musetti
15:24 , Flo CliffordMusetti is fighting back here, staying with Alcaraz in this first rally, but thumps the ball into the net.
An utterly wild shot by Alcaraz though, almost off the frame, gets Musetti to 15-15. Nerves jangling?
The Spaniard double faults, 15-30...
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-5 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:21 , Flo CliffordIs the tide shifting? Musetti opens the door to Alcaraz with a couple of errors, the Spaniard stepping in early to try to take him by surprise.
The second seed nets for 15-30, and an enormous serve out wide gets Musetti back to 30-30.
But Alcaraz digs in the next rally and Musetti goes long again for another break point.
And the defending champion breaks! The Italian clings on, back-to-the-wall defence, but overcooks a lob and Alcaraz will serve for the set. “Vamos!” he shouts, fist pumping to the crowd.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 5-5 Lorenzo Musetti
15:16 , Flo CliffordAlcaraz gets himself back on track with a hold to 15 as Musetti overcooks a forehand return. That’ll settle the nerves a bit.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 4-5 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:12 , Flo CliffordAlcaraz gets onto a great second serve out wide by Musetti, but the Italian takes his time and plants a smash into the open court.
And the Italian, who has looked so focused, lets out a roar of emotion as he seals the game with a brilliant point! He looks to have Alcaraz beaten a couple of times but hangs at the net and drops in a delicate volley to seal it.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 4-4 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:10 , Flo CliffordIt looks like Musetti gets caught off-guard by a strike from Alcaraz that just bounces off the line, but one look tells him it’s in. Another chance to break - but the kick serve and volley combo saves it! Deuce again.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 4-4 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:08 , Flo CliffordAlcaraz nets but battles back to deuce with a supremely-constructed point, sending Musetti from corner to corner before whipping in another venomous forehand.
Musetti tries the net approach again but this time it doesn’t go his way, Alcaraz sticking with him before putting away a smash. More fist pumps for that. Another break point chance.
But he swings wide again and we’re back to deuce!
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 4-4 Lorenzo Musetti*
15:05 , Flo CliffordMusetti gives Alcaraz a taste of his own medicine with a tidy serve and volley to kick off this game.
Alcaraz gets to another phenomenal down-the-line backhand, but Musetti redirects him to plant the winner in behind.
A lob by the Italian goes long, and Alcaraz pounces on a feeble second serve, right into his strike zone, for 30-30.
He has less luck with another short second serve - but a misfiring forehand by the eighth seed brings up deuce.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 4-4 Lorenzo Musetti
15:01 , Flo CliffordHas that tweener given Alcaraz a bit more pep in his step, a bit more of his usual zest? A tidy ace to begin this game is followed by a well-constructed point that Musetti nearly ends up on the dirt trying to get a backhand to - but a drop shot misses the mark, falling short.
From 30-0 up another Alcaraz unforced error opens the door to Musetti. The eighth seed is absolutely brimming with self-belief.
“Vamos!” Alcaraz shouts in response to a classic forehand winner. That’s more like it.
Musetti goes long on the return, and that’s an important hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 3-4 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:57 , Flo CliffordThese two are such natural clay-courters and some of these rallies are superb to watch. Alcaraz defends doggedly but still Musetti keeps coming, eventually sealing the point with an overhead smash.
But a round-the-post backhand goes long, a shot that’s troubled the Italian a couple of times so far, and he double faults for the first time for 15-30.
Alcaraz goes long, however, on the next point, and another fine serve gives Musetti game point.
And what a way to seal it! Musetti lobs the Spaniard in response to a fine drop shot, Alcaraz brings out the tweener in a thrilling net tit-for-tat, but it’s the Italian who seals it with a deft volley, having sent Alcaraz the wrong way.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 3-3 Lorenzo Musetti
14:53 , Flo CliffordAlcaraz’s concentration is all over the shop. He stops a point to query a line-call that goes Musetti’s way, then overcooks a lob with Musetti scrambling back to the baseline, back to the net, after another brilliant rally.
But he holds as Musetti’s running forehand, at full stretch, drifts wide.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 2-3 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:47 , Flo CliffordWell left by Musetti as a couple of Alcaraz strikes land long.
The umpire hops down and shakes his head as Musetti questions one of his own: it was indeed wide.
Dangerous territory now as Alcaraz pounces, planting an immaculate forehand winner cross-court for 30-30, but nets on the next as Musetti runs up the court to pile on the pressure.
What a point! Incredible focus and concentration from the Italian as he hangs in a lengthy rally, combining a brilliant down-the-line backhand that Alcaraz scrambles to, before whipping in a cross-court forehand to seal it. Masterful stuff.
BREAK BACK! *Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 2-2 Lorenzo Musetti
14:43 , Flo CliffordOnly one needed! Musetti runs onto a wide ball and Alcaraz nets! Back level in this second set.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 2-1 Lorenzo Musetti
14:42 , Flo CliffordThe momentum feels like it’s with Alcaraz now, but Musetti is not going anywhere. He slides side to side and forces Alcaraz long on a lob - and a stunning, pacey cross-court forehand - 95mph! - puts him 15-30 up.
Forced deep into the court, Alcaraz slams a forehand wide of the post, and Musetti has two chances to break immediately back.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 2-1 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:39 , Flo CliffordThe first one is saved with a fine serve; Alcaraz queries it, but a quick check from the umpire indicates it’s in.
Huge moment for Alcaraz and a roar as he seals the break with a delicate drop shot, running onto a Musetti volley and just about dipping it back over the net.
Can he capitalise?
Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 1-1 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:37 , Flo CliffordThe question now is can Musetti sustain this level for long enough. He looks frustrated with himself after going toe-to-toe with the defending champ in a rally but tamely netting.
A pinpoint-precise backhand return, right down the line on a Musetti second serve, just kisses the baseline, and the Italian goes narrowly long on a lob to gift Alcaraz three break points.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 1-1 Lorenzo Musetti
14:35 , Flo CliffordBetter from Alcaraz, more aggressive, but the Italian is still locked in. Musetti almost pulls off an incredible shot around the net post - but he clatters into the post itself and off into the stands!
The eighth seed goes wide and Alcaraz is on the board in this second set.
SECOND SET: Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 0-1 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:32 , Flo CliffordMusetti looks to build on his momentum, getting on the front foot in this service game.
Alcaraz seems to be feeling the pressure; he moves up the court, trying to switch things up, but whacks a volley into the doubles tramline, and then sends long again. A straightforward hold for the Italian.
GAME AND FIRST SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 4-6 Lorenzo Musetti
14:28 , Flo CliffordAnd he takes it! Alcaraz gets tight and blasts a down the line forehand well wide, and the defending champion is down a set!
Musetti fist pumps and sends his box a steely look. The Italian is looking good.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-5 Lorenzo Musetti
14:27 , Flo CliffordAlcaraz redirects the Italian, forcing the error - but Musetti digs his heels in on the next rally and it’s Alcaraz who goes long!
Two break, and set, points.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-5 Lorenzo Musetti
14:25 , Flo CliffordFabulous start to this game by Musetti as he hands in a baseline rally to blast a cross-court winner that even an athlete of Alcaraz’s quality can’t get to.
Alcaraz goes wide on the forehand and suddenly he’s 0-30 behind...
Musetti has yet to generate a break point, but has a real chance here.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-5 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:22 , Flo CliffordBoth players look totally focused, and Musetti shakes his racquet as he plays a dreamy backhand winner.
He fist pumps towards his box as he holds to 15 with an overhead smash. His best service game by far.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-4 Lorenzo Musetti
14:19 , Flo CliffordA bad miss from Musetti from out wide beyond the tramlines, slamming his backhand well wide, and an effortless-looking disguised baseline drop shot help Alcaraz on his way to a 40-0 lead.
But Musetti is equal to his next effort, chasing down another drop shot and landing a smart cross-court volley that a scrambling Alcaraz can’t pick up in time. Delightful stuff.
Musetti defends brilliantly in the next rally but Alcaraz seals a businesslike hold with another smash at the net.
Carlos Alcaraz 3-4 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:15 , Flo CliffordA pair of fabulous serves get Musetti to advantage - he’s landing 67% of his to Alcaraz’s 54% - and he seals the hold as the second seed whacks into the net.
Carlos Alcaraz 3-3 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:13 , Flo CliffordAlcaraz is looking a little frustrated at times in these early stages, and he’s visibly annoyed as he dumps a backhand volley into the net, a point he should have won.
He’s missing a couple of percent from his best, you’d have to say.
Musetti looks to have settled, but an attempt at jazzing up this game with a volley from the baseline goes wide, and as Alcaraz taps in another net approach shot, he’s suddenly staring down a break point again.
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-3 Lorenzo Musetti
14:10 , Flo CliffordWild by Alcaraz on the forehand wing; but he outlasts Musetti in another rally and forces the Italian long. The seventh seed needs to keep these baseline rallies to a minimum.
Musetti attempts a drop shot but doesn’t put enough on it, and Alcaraz grins and fist pumps in the direction of his box as he manoeuvres Musetti around the court, the Italian ultimately sailing long.
Another forehand error from Musetti and Alcaraz holds. Not too troubled so far.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-3 Lorenzo Musetti*
14:05 , Flo CliffordThis match has all the potential of a blockbuster and there have been some great rallies so far, showcasing both the power and flair of both men. Alcaraz is largely getting the best of them - but 0-15 up a forehand volley at the net drops just short into the tape.
He forces Musetti into the net, controlling one such rally from the baseline, but the Italian has finesse in spades too and even Alcaraz can’t dig out a sweet acutely-angled strike over the net.
Any time the second seed ventures further up the court he seems to win the point, and he forces deuce with another well-constructed point, pushing Musetti back before putting away a smash.
A neat forehand down the line by the Italian and an 11th unforced error from Alcaraz seal the hold - but you’d have to say the Musetti serve is looking the more vulnerable.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-2 Lorenzo Musetti
13:59 , Flo CliffordLittle shake of the racquet from Alcaraz as he fires in a cross-court forehand that a scrambling Musetti can’t get to.
But a double fault and an unforced error open the door to Musetti at 15-30 - but he can’t capitalise, shanking a second serve return into the net! How costly will that prove?
The Alcaraz first serve has gone missing in action but Musetti can’t bend the return on a second serve out wide into the court. The Italian defends well to get a smash back in play but a neat second go at the net seals the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-2 Lorenzo Musetti*
13:55 , Flo CliffordSo far the defending champion has settled the quicker, with Musetti struggling to land first serves, but he holds with relative ease here.
A phenomenal rally from both players ends with a deft net exchange, with Musetti’s lightning-quick to a drop shot and volleying in the winner from right at the net. He cups his hand to his ear to hear the crowd’s appreciation; even Alcaraz nods his approval.
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-1 Lorenzo Musetti
13:50 , Flo CliffordThe fist pumps are already out for Alcaraz as he whips a brilliant forehand down the line for 30-0, with Musetti stranded on the opposite end of the baseline. Power and precision from the Spaniard.
Musetti gets lucky with a net cord, however, with Alcaraz sending his pick-up from a short ball a fraction long.
A delightful drop shot brings up game point but he makes a hash of another attempt from further back in the court, netting; but Musetti can’t force deuce as he goes long.
Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Lorenzo Musetti*
13:47 , Flo CliffordThe chance goes begging as Alcaraz gets tight on a forehand, shanking into the net instead of the wide open court. Deuce.
But the Italian digs himself out of trouble as Alcaraz hits a backhand into the net. Points on the baord.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti*
13:43 , Flo CliffordThe first point goes the defending champ’s way as Musetti nets. But that beautiful one-handed backhand is already on show and he forces Alcaraz long.
A lovely whipped forehand down the line has too much juice on it for Alcaraz, but he gets an opening on the Italian’s second serve, dictating the rally to force an error for 30-30.
From deep behind the baseline Musetti lobs a backhand long, and Alcaraz has the chance to stamp his authority on this one with an early break.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti*
13:40 , Flo CliffordMusetti to serve first in the first of the men’s semi-finals.
*denotes current server
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti
13:38 , Flo CliffordThe countdown is on... the players are out on court, staring each other down over the net, Alcaraz practicing a few backhands. Musetti has a steely look to him.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti
13:27 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s been a very wet morning in Paris but the sky is brighter now and there is no rain forecast for the afternoon. However, the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier is staying closed.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti
13:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleLorenzo Musetti’s revamped serving action has worked well at this tournament - you feel he may need to be strong in that aspect to have a hope today, with Carlos Alcaraz’s sheer striking ability sure to earn him plenty of points if rallies extend. Their two previous meetings during this clay-court swing ensures plenty of familiarity between the pair - does the Italian have anything up his sleeve to reverse recent fortunes against the defending champion?
Carlos Alcaraz's run to the semi-finals
13:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt hasn’t all been totally plain sailing for Carlos Alcaraz, hiccups against Fabian Marozsan and Damir Dzumhur the sort of sets that the top, top players seldom produce. But he’s come on well, fighting past an impressive Ben Shelton before blowing away Tommy Paul.
First round: Giulio Zeppieri 6-3 6-4 6-2
Second round: Fabian Marozsan 6-1 4-6 6-1 6-2
Third round: Damir Dzumhur 6-1 6-3 4-6 6-4
Fourth round: Ben Shelton 7-6 6-3 4-6 6-4
Quarter-final: Tommy Paul 6-0 6-1 6-4
Lorenzo Musetti's run to the semi-finals
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s been an increasingly impressive run to the final four from Lorenzo Musetti, tough tests against Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe each overcome with strong finishes. The difficulty ratchets up rather significantly, however, today.
First round: Yannick Hanfmann 7-5 6-2 6-0
Second round: Daniel Galan 6-4 6-0 6-4
Third round: Mariano Navone 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-2
Fourth round: Holger Rune 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-2
Quarter-final: Frances Tiafoe 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-2
Carlos Alcaraz's coach believes there is still room to grow
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoylePerhaps the scariest thing about Carlos Alcaraz is how much more growth might still be to come in the Spaniard’s game. Compared to, say, Jannik Sinner, it feels like the ceiling is still a long way off for the 22-year-old as he seeks a fifth grand slam title.
"Carlos has always had the level, the problem is it's hard to produce it in every match," the Spaniard's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero said.
"We know when he plays positively, bravely, when he plays without fear, he's a player with a potential that is still yet to be realised.
"But you also have to see the other side of it: pressure, tension, fear, difficulties, opponents, a tournament you want to win more than others, the importance we all put on it ... all these things also come into play."
The hidden strength that makes Coco Gauff such a danger to Aryna Sabalenka in French Open final
12:45 , Jamie BraidwoodCoco Gauff ended the run of French wildcard Lois Boisson, quietening the crowd and shutting out the noise on Court Philippe-Chatrier to win 6-1 6-2 and reach her second French Open final.
“My first final here I was super nervous, and I kind of wrote myself off before the match even happened,” Gauff said. “Obviously here I have a lot more confidence just from playing a grand slam final before and doing well in one. I think going into Saturday I'll just give it my best shot and try to be as calm and relaxed as possible. Whatever happens, happens, and knowing that I put the best effort forward.”
The hidden strength that makes Coco Gauff such a danger to Aryna Sabalenka
The ‘shocking’ truth behind Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open destruction of Iga Swiatek
12:30 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka halted three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek’s 26-match winning run, running away with the final set to win 7-6 4-6 6-0 and reach her first French Open final. “It was a big match, and it felt like a final,” Sabalenka said. “But I know that the job is not done yet, and I have to go out there on Saturday. I have to fight and I have to bring my best tennis. I have to work for that title, especially if it's going to be Coco. I'm ready. I'm ready to go out, and I'm ready to fight. And I'm ready to do everything it's going to take to get the win.”
.jpeg?trim=0,9,0,8&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
The ‘shocking’ truth behind Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open destruction of Iga Swiatek
Preview: Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff
12:15 , Jamie BraidwoodTomorrow, World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces World No 2 Coco Gauff in the French Open final, with a new women’s singles champion set to be crowned at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka ended three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek’s winning run with a dominant final-set in the semi-finals to progress to her first French Open final.
Gauff defeated French wildcard Lois Boisson 6-1 6-2 to reach her second final at Roland Garros, having lost to Swiatek in the 2022 final in Paris.
Gauff won her first grand slam title when she defeated Sabalenka in the US Open final in 2023, while Sabalenka will be aiming to her her first grand slam title outside of the hard-courts.
Coco Gauff v Aryna Sabalenka start time: When is French Open final?
What has Jannik Sinner said about Novak Djokovic?
12:00 , Jamie Braidwood“He has shown now in the last period that he is back to the level. He plays very, very well, so it's going to be even there quite tactical, but very, very difficult. He's such an experienced player, 24 grand slams. I think that says everything. Let's see. I'm just happy to be in the semis and see what I can do.
“Last year I played a good match in the semis, so I'm proud to be again here. I wouldn't have thought to be here in this position since my comeback, so I'm very happy to take things like they are, and hopefully I'm ready. I just want to watch my side of the net, and then we see.”
What has Novak Djokovic said about Jannik Sinner?
11:45 , Jamie Braidwood“Jannik is in tremendous form, and he has been the best player for the last couple of years, deservedly. He's been playing some terrific tennis, attacking tennis, and just super strong from every aspect of his game.
“I haven't played him now in quite some time and we always had some exciting matches. It's going to be of course semifinals of a grand slam against the No 1 in the world. There is no bigger occasion for me, so I'll try to do my best to step it up and perform as well as I did tonight [against Zverev]”
Jannik Sinner continues strong form by thrashing Alexander Bublik
11:30 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner continued his dominant form by thrashing Alexander Bublik 6-1 7-5 6-0. The Italian dropped just six games against Bublik and it added to his string of one-sided victories so far. The 23-year-old also dropped just eight games against Andrey Rublev, three games against Jiri Lehecka and seven games against Richard Gasquet.
After losing to Sinner, Bublik said: “He's playing fast. He's playing smart. He's basically playing every match under two hours, so physically he's very at a top level, so it's not easy, as you can see. It's not only me who got bageled.”
How Novak Djokovic frustrated Alexander Zverev with a trick everyone could see coming
11:15 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic produced a tactical masterclass to outmanoeuvre Alexander Zverev and reach his 13th French Open semi-final. Djokovic dropped serve in the opening game of the match but dominated Zverev from there and closed out a 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory in three hours. He said it proved that he can still beat the best in the world.
“Obviously beating one of the best players in the world on the biggest stages is something that I definitely work for, and I still push myself on a daily basis at this age because of these kind of matches and these kind of experiences,” Djokovic.said. “It's a proven kind of testament to myself that I can and to others that I can still play on the highest level.”
How Novak Djokovic frustrated Alexander Zverev with a trick everyone could see coming
Preview: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
11:00 , Jamie BraidwoodLater, Novak Djokovic battles World No 1 Jannik Sinner for a place in the French Open final and in the latest chapter of their inter-generational rivalry.
Djokovic, 38, become the oldest French Open semi-finalist since 1968 when he outclassed the third seed Alexander Zverev on Wednesday night, with the 24-time grand slam champion saying the win proved he can still compete with the best.
Sinner, 23, is the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion and increased his winning streak at the grand slams to 19 matches when he thrashed Alexander Bublik in straight sets in the quarter-finals.
The Italian, who is bidding to reach his first French Open final, has raced through the draw and has beaten Djokovic the last three times they have played, including the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals.
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner start time: When is French Open semi-final?
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti head-to-head
10:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has won his last five matches against Musetti, with today’s French Open semi-final the third time they have played this clay-court season. The Spaniard had the advantage over the Italian in both the Monte Carlo final and the Rome semi-finals.
H2H
2025: Italian Open, semi-final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in two sets
2025: Monte Carlo, final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in three sets
2024: Miami, round of 16, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in two sets
2024: Beijing, round of 16, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in two sets
2023: French Open, round of 16, outdoor clay, Alcaraz wins in three sets
2022: Hamburg, final, outdoor clay, Musetti wins in three sets
What happened in the quarter-finals?
10:30 , Jamie BraidwoodLorenzo Musetti admitted he was “scared” of being disqualified from the French Open after accidentally kicking a ball at a line judge during this quarter-final win over Frances Tiafoe.
The Italian progressed to his first Roland Garros semi-final after beating Tiafoe in four sets. But the eighth seed had a fortunate escape and risked being defaulted from the tournament after he struck a line judge by volleying the ball with his foot.
Speaking after the match, Tiafoe said the lack of punishment for Musetti was “comical” and the Italian admitted he was “scared” of potentially being thrown out of the tournament.
Lorenzo Musetti escapes French Open disqualification after kicking ball at line judge
What happened in the quarter-finals?
10:15 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul 6-0 6-1 6-4 in just 94 minutes to return to the French Open semi-finals for the third year in a row and described how it felt to play the “perfect” tennis match by saying: “I could close my eyes and everything went in”.
Almost half of the total points won by Alcaraz were winners, with the Spaniard hitting 40 across the straight-sets win in what was his best display of the tournament so far.
He was interviewed by three-time French Open champion Mats Wilander, who asked Alcaraz how it felt to play the “perfect” match at Roland Garros. “I could close my eyes and everything went in. My feeling today was unbelievable,” Alcaraz told the crowd.
.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Carlos Alcaraz on ‘perfect’ match: ‘I could close my eyes and everything went in’
Preview: Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti
10:05 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz looks to return to the French Open final when he faces Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti at Roland Garros.
Defending champion Alcaraz increased his winning run at the tournament to 12 matches with the “perfect” performance against Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old Spaniard won his first French Open title when he defeated Alexander Zverev and a blockbuster could await with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic on the other side of the draw.
Musetti, the eighth seed, will be the underdog as he looks to reach his first grand slam final. The 23-year-old had a brush with some controversy during his quarter-final win over Frances Tiafoe after kicking a ball at a line judge.
This will be the third time Alcaraz and Musetti have met on the clay this season, with Alcaraz winning the Monte Carlo final and beating the Italian in the Rome semi-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti start time: When is French Open semi-final?
French Open order of play - Friday 6 June
10:02 , Jamie BraidwoodCourt Philippe-Chatrier
From 1:30pm BST
[2] Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti [8]
Not before 6pm BST
[1] Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic [6]
Good morning
10:00 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s men’s semi-finals day at the French Open with two blockbuster matches to decide the line-up for this year’s showpiece at Roland Garros.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz first takes on Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who is aiming to reach his first grand slam final at the age of 23. Alcaraz has been in brilliant form during the tournament but Musetti has the clay-court game to potentially upset the Spaniard.
Later, there’s a huge clash between Novak Djokovic and World No 1 Jannik Sinner. Djokovic is coming off an impressive win over Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals while Sinner has been in dominant form, having won the last two grand slams at the US Open and Australian Open.
