2023 Roland Garros SF: [1] Carlos Alcaraz vs. [3] Novak Djokovic

[initialize]

Who thinks Nadal is calling up Alcaraz and giving him pointers on how to attack Djoker?

Honestly I think Ferrero is doing an awesome job teaching strategies to Carlos. He always has a game plan for him for every opponent, and Djokovic will be no exception.

Djokovic's vulturing will be coming to an end on Friday (hopefully)

 

[Hitman]

Who thinks Nadal is calling up Alcaraz and giving him pointers on how to attack Djoker?

They won't be listening to anything Nadal or anyone else has to say, because they don't know anyone's true intentions. They will know what they need to do. I mean, I doubt Djokovic is going to be asking Sinner for pointers either.

Alcaraz knows Djokovic is the greatest grand slam champion of all time, the ultimate challenge in grand slam play, the man who has set record after record to become the greatest of this era....he will have studied Djokovic every move with Ferrero. They will be ready. It is the biggest match of CA's life, yes, even bigger than the USO final IMO, this is one against the guy who has the GOAT numbers and the one he wanted to play the most on the tour.

 

[Bilders]

The biggest and most anticipated match of 2023, the two current alphas that have been owning the tour FINALLY meet. It simply doesn't get any bigger than this across all sport.

The irresistible force meets the immovable object...

Next time on Dragon Ball Z!!!!

Carlos is definitely Goku. Just has that chosen one power.

 

[Mark Anderson]

Would love for Carlos to crush the second best of all time into tears

Wait for Wimbledon.

 

[Mark Anderson]

They won't be listening to anything Nadal or anyone else has to say, because they don't know anyone's true intentions. They will know what they need to do. I mean, I doubt Djokovic is going to be asking Sinner for pointers either.

Alcaraz knows Djokovic is the greatest grand slam champion of all time, the ultimate challenge in grand slam play, the man who has set record after record to become the greatest of this era....he will have studied Djokovic every move with Ferrero. They will be ready. It is the biggest match of CA's life, yes, even bigger than the USO final IMO, this is one against the guy who has the GOAT numbers and the one he wanted to play the most on the tour.

What is Djokovics record in Grand Slam play against Nadal, I forgot.

 

[The Guru]

First set is everything for Novak. If he falls behind and has to chase he's gonna gas trying to claw his way back in but if he can play with a lead and pick his moments to push he's got a shot. I think Carlos should be a pretty massive favorite but there's a path for Novak here. I have some hope. That being said I felt more confident against Nadal last year than I do right now.

 

[TheWizardFromElPalmar]

Most anticipated game of 2023 , but sadly it will be a mountain than gave birth to a mouse, 3/0 for Carlos. I dont see how Djokovic can take a set @ Carlitos right now, I mean... Djoko level is mediocre right now let's face it.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Goind with djokovic in five here. I would be flying so would not be able to see. But should be a great match.

Hope you're coming to UK

 

[TheNachoMan]

First set is everything for Novak. If he falls behind and has to chase he's gonna gas trying to claw his way back in but if he can play with a lead and pick his moments to push he's got a shot. I think Carlos should be a pretty massive favorite but there's a path for Novak here. I have some hope. That being said I felt more confident against Nadal last year than I do right now.

Novak always starts out slow. He will probably get broken in his first service game. lol

 

[nolefam_2024]

Hope you're coming to UK

I plan to watch USOpen again this year. Sadly no Rafa but if Rafa comes to USA I will go.

 

[D.Nalby12]

For the first time in his career Djokovic is facing ATG level player from younger generation. Let's see how it goes. But history is not on his side. Younger ATGs always dominate old guys. Federer beat old Agassi. Djokovic defeated Federer in his thirties.

 

[NeutralFan]

Djokovic is the clear favorite.

Untill beaten in a slam match against Carlos Djokovic will be favourite

 

[MeatTornado]

Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Night.

Uncle Charlie in 3.

 

[Zardoz7/12]

Djokovic in my opinion is the underdog in this match, he will need to read Alcaraz's droppers, he will have to run a lot and be prepared for gruelling rallies.

This is my most anticipated match of 2023, the Irresistible Force vs the Immovable Object.

 

[The Guru]

Novak always starts out slow. He will probably get broken in his first service game. lol

He can't afford it. Sometimes he starts quick. He's come out firing 4 AO finals in a row. We need some of that.

 

[jltman]

If Novak can't stop Alcaraz, the tour is in serious trouble. At least off grass.
Wimbledon is still Djokovic's place.

I think Djokovic, Medvedev and Sinner will still have something to say on hard courts.

 

[Nostradamus]

I expect two routine sets for Alcaraz and another close one.

Djokovic would need to start bashing the ball, play like he has nothing and pray for the best just to win a set but that's all he can hope for.

Karl in 3. In 4 only if Djokovic goes nuclear for one set.

Agree, Novak has no chance here because of this fluffy slow tennis ball,,,,, its as though frenchee tennis federation didn't want novak to win, they wanted RAFA to win again but then another rafa showed up named Alcarez. Novak just can't hurt carlos with these slow balls but Alcarez can still hurt novak because of this monster topspin and power.

French tennis federation really screwed novak this year

 

[AIMCHUTY]

Djokovic in 4

 

[Chanwan]

19-1 in his last 20 slam semis vs a guy in his 2nd slam semi.

It says something about CA's level that most regard him as a clear favorite

Would be interested to see whether he can beat Mr. TB in a TB

And am keen to see whether Djoko goes in full attack mode (which I think he needs to) or whether he will go into wall mode (which I think won't cut it)

 

[MichaelNadal]

Why does this have to be Friday lol ugh. I'd actually watch but I'll be at Universal Studios. If tennis gets saved I'll watch the replay

 

[-NN-]

19-1 in his last 20 slam semis vs a guy in his 2nd slam semi.

It says something about CA's level that most regard him as a clear favorite

Would be interested to see whether he can beat Mr. TB in a TB

And am keen to see whether Djoko goes in full attack mode (which I think he needs to) or whether he will go into wall mode (which I think won't cut it)

Or to feel exactly when he needs to "switch modes".

 

[Chanwan]

Or to feel exactly when he needs to "switch modes".

True, good point

 

[RS]

I have this feeling Djokovic will win. I am medicore predictor though

 

[sportsfan1]

It'd be great to see the new kid win, but the level that raz faces next goes up greatly from tsitsipas. All he had to do was go to the tsi bh and the point was his. But now, no whiffed bhs and floating slices. Most serves being returned back at his feet, fhs and bhs going cc and dtl at pace.
We already saw raz lose to zverev in 4 last year, and djo is a tougher out.

 

[nolefam_2024]

I have this feeling Djokovic will win. I am medicore predictor though

Join the Nolefamdom for 1 match.

 

[Beacon Hill]

It'd be great to see the new kid win, but the level that raz faces next goes up greatly from tsitsipas. All he had to do was go to the tsi bh and the point was his. But now, no whiffed bhs and floating slices. Most serves being returned back at his feet, fhs and bhs going cc and dtl at pace.
We already saw raz lose to zverev in 4 last year, and djo is a tougher out.

One match a year ago is not much of an indication how this match will go.

 

[Beacon Hill]

If it's only about physical skills, Carlos wins convincingly. Mentally, Carlos also looks good, but if he has a lull like he did against Tsitsipas, it might be harder to turn it around. But if it's simply about strokes and court coverage, Carlos has a chance to destroy him. On grass, Novak has a much better chance, as Carlos hasn't learned how to play on that surface yet.

 

[Krish0608]

This thread is giving me AO 2021 pre final vibes lol

 

[weakera]

You only think bro? You wavering now?

lol it was always think. I don't have money on this match so obviously I'm not sure of anything.

But the bottom line is, I've seen this too many times from Djokovic, where he looks shaky, or vulnerable, only to turn things on at the business end of a slam and go into lockdown mode. I have yet to see anything that makes me think he has lost that ability. He still has it, I guarantee it.

Other than against Nadal, Djokovic has what, 2 losses in slams in the last 5 years, vs. peak Thiem and Medvedev? The day will come when Djokovic declines, and he already has to some small degree, but he's still himself and he's still working with a dominance ratio of like 1.5 in this tournament. He just needs to find his next couple of gears and he'll be ready to win.

That's not to mention that Alcaraz is a completely unproven commodity in this kind of situation. Djokovic is a master of navigating the ups and downs of a best of five match, is Alcaraz? He didn't exactly look unbeatable at the US Open last year when things got tight.

The only way Djokovic loses this match is if he's physically compromised, or if Alcaraz is able to redline and play to the level of a peaking Thiem or Medvedev. I don't think either is happening, so I say Djokovic in 5 to account for Djokovic being old enough to have more lapses than usual.

 

[Krish0608]

If it's only about physical skills, Carlos wins convincingly. Mentally, Carlos also looks good, but if he has a lull like he did against Tsitsipas, it might be harder to turn it around. But if it's simply about strokes and court coverage, Carlos has a chance to destroy him. On grass, Novak has a much better chance, as Carlos hasn't learned how to play on that surface yet.

Carlos won’t “destroy” him. Let’s get real. Novak is not Stef. Novak is on another planet than anybody Carlos has ever faced all year. And, it’s a grand slam. If there’s anything we’ve learnt from history it is that Novak will undoubtably peak for this match. That means controlled precision like never before. This match is probably as important, if not more for the final. It’s an opportunity to beat a future GOAT candidate. Novak will play this match like his life depends on it, even if that means he’s toast for the final.
I’ll still go with Novak in 4 unless Carlos flips the script (which he obviously can).

 

[Krish0608]

lol it was always think. I don't have money on this match so obviously I'm not sure of anything.

But the bottom line is, I've seen this too many times from Djokovic, where he looks shaky, or vulnerable, only to turn things on at the business end of a slam and go into lockdown mode. I have yet to see anything that makes me think he has lost that ability. He still has it, I guarantee it.

Other than against Nadal, Djokovic has what, 2 losses in slams in the last 5 years, vs. peak Thiem and Medvedev? The day will come when Djokovic declines, and he already has to some small degree, but he's still himself and he's still working with a dominance ratio of like 1.5 in this tournament. He just needs to find his next couple of gears and he'll be ready to win.

That's not to mention that Alcaraz is a completely unproven commodity in this kind of situation. Djokovic is a master of navigating the ups and downs of a best of five match, is Alcaraz? He didn't exactly look unbeatable at the US Open last year when things got tight.

The only way Djokovic loses this match is if he's physically compromised, or if Alcaraz is able to redline and play to the level of a peaking Thiem or Medvedev. I don't think either is happening, so I say Djokovic in 5 to account for Djokovic being old enough to have more lapses than usual.

This is a good, objective take. Novak winning in 4 is probably the likeliest outcome.

 

[weakera]

This is a good, objective take. Novak winning in 4 is probably the likeliest outcome.

People want to anoint Alcaraz as a Nadal-level player who can straight set and beatdown Djokovic like the RG 2020 Final, well he has to earn that kind of distinction by proving it. And he even has some help on his side with Djokovic being older than ever, so now is the time to prove it. If he can't beat Djokovic on clay it obviously doesn't bode well for HC or Grass (while clay is neither of their preferred surfaces, Djokovic levels up more than Alcaraz does on HC and grass).

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

lol it was always think. I don't have money on this match so obviously I'm not sure of anything.

But the bottom line is, I've seen this too many times from Djokovic, where he looks shaky, or vulnerable, only to turn things on at the business end of a slam and go into lockdown mode. I have yet to see anything that makes me think he has lost that ability. He still has it, I guarantee it.

Other than against Nadal, Djokovic has what, 2 losses in slams in the last 5 years, vs. peak Thiem and Medvedev? The day will come when Djokovic declines, and he already has to some small degree, but he's still himself and he's still working with a dominance ratio of like 1.5 in this tournament. He just needs to find his next couple of gears and he'll be ready to win.

That's not to mention that Alcaraz is a completely unproven commodity in this kind of situation. Djokovic is a master of navigating the ups and downs of a best of five match, is Alcaraz? He didn't exactly look unbeatable at the US Open last year when things got tight.

The only way Djokovic loses this match is if he's physically compromised, or if Alcaraz is able to redline and play to the level of a peaking Thiem or Medvedev. I don't think either is happening, so I say Djokovic in 5 to account for Djokovic being old enough to have more lapses than usual.

I would agree with you if it were AO or Wimb. Though at RG he has been vulnerable.

Ofcourse Novak is Novak and one should never count him out. Though I will be really surprised if Carlos loses this one. To me the only way Carlos loses this is if he is physically compromised or Novak somehow brings his peak level to this match.

 

[uscwang]

 

[weakera]

I would agree with you if it were AO or Wimb. Though at RG he has been vulnerable.

Ofcourse Novak is Novak and one should never count him out. Though I will be really surprised if Carlos loses this one. To me the only way Carlos loses this is if he is physically compromised or Novak somehow brings his peak level to this match.

I don't know if Djokovic will bring his 'peak' level, but he will bring a very high level. And in a close match it will come down to who plays the big points better, and that is always going to be Novak until proven otherwise (except vs. Nadal on clay, as we saw last year).

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

I don't know if Djokovic will bring his 'peak' level, but he will bring a very high level. And in a close match it will come down to who plays the big points better, and that is always going to be Novak until proven otherwise (except vs. Nadal on clay, as we saw last year).

Yes.. even I was surprised by how Novak gifted the 4th set to Rafa last year.. he had it in the bag.

To me Alcaraz is unknown quantity with regards to playing big points against Novak. Last year at Madrid, he played them very well. But then this time he is the favorite so there is more expectation and pressure.

I hope he wins in 3 or 4 for the sake of tennis.

 

[weakera]

Yes.. even I was surprised by how Novak gifted the 4th set to Rafa last year.. he had it in the bag.

To me Alcaraz is unknown quantity with regards to playing big points against Novak. Last year at Madrid, he played them very well. But then this time he is the favorite so there is more expectation and pressure.

I hope he wins in 3 or 4 for the sake of tennis.

Tennis could definitely use an Alcaraz win to help legitimize the next gen.

 

[socallefty]

Djokovic wins the matches he is supposed to win and loses the matches typically where he is the underdog expected to lose. I seem to remember that his record as an underdog is not very good even though that doesn’t happen that often.

 

[weakera]

Djokovic wins the matches he is supposed to win and loses the matches typically where he is the underdog expected to lose. I seem to remember that his record as an underdog is not very good even though that doesn’t happen that often.

In the last 5 years, has Djokovic ever been the underdog in a match except vs. Nadal on clay? If so, where and when?

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Djokovic wins the matches he is supposed to win and loses the matches typically where he is the underdog expected to lose. I seem to remember that his record as an underdog is not very good even though that doesn’t happen that often.

This is how I see it too. Djokovic rarely loses against who he should beat in slams and is super consistent. However, I feel this one is a step too far for him. I’m happy though that Novak made the semis and he can build on this for Wimbledon next where he has a better shot at another slam.

 

[robthai]

I don't know if Djokovic will bring his 'peak' level, but he will bring a very high level. And in a close match it will come down to who plays the big points better, and that is always going to be Novak until proven otherwise (except vs. Nadal on clay, as we saw last year).

I don't want to hear any excuses if Djokovic ends up losing.

 

[weakera]

I don't want to hear any excuses if Djokovic ends up losing.

What kinds of excuses could I make? Barring injury, if Djokovic loses it's because I underestimated Alcaraz, no doubt about it.

 

[pj80]

He didn't win vs Wawrinka/Medvedev/Murray and he beat Fed/Nadal in some instances where he was underdog.

Djokovic wins the matches he is supposed to win and loses the matches typically where he is the underdog expected to lose. I seem to remember that his record as an underdog is not very good even though that doesn’t happen that often.

 

[Crionics]

I think people really underestimate Djokovic. How many times have we seen him play average tennis in the first rounds of a GS and go in full lockdown mode in the SF and F? And yet people still get fooled by his average play against lesser players in the first few rounds? People never learn somehow and always get fooled again an again.

Djokovic has basically won all GS in the last few years except for RG where he lost to the all-time clay goat. He is a 22 GS winner. He has played high-stakes matches a million times.
He is the favorite and will be the favorite until Alcaraz beats him convincingly in a GS.

 

[Deleted member 758560]

Yeah bookies expecting a straight set beat down from Carlos here. I actually went that myself though on the poll.

not really, 2.65 less than 3.5 sets, 1.45 more than 3.5 sets

 

[Deleted member 758560]

Says it all really, 1.45 vs 2.8 odds from what I’m seeing

Biggest underdog Djokovic has been in a match in 4 years.

two years ago vs ndal it was 3 (at least) on djoko iirc and guessing a gap shouldnt be so wide, probably was inspired by yesterday performance, if it wasnt for that, it'd be perhaps at least somewhere 1.6 vs 2.3

 

[Mike Sams]

I'm much more interested in knowing who the Nadal fans want to win this match.
I know they hate Djokovic's guts. And they absolutely despise Alcaraz. So they're stuck between a rock and a hard place it seems.
They probably hoping for an earthquake to happen on the court.

 

[Rattie]

I'm much more interested in knowing who the Nadal fans want to win this match.
I know they hate Djokovic's guts. And they absolutely despise Alcaraz. So they're stuck between a rock and a hard place it seems.
They probably hoping for an earthquake to happen on the court.

Not all of us. Rafa may be my fave player but Carlos is my next favourite. So I’m not stuck anywhere

 

[Hitman]

What is Djokovics record in Grand Slam play against Nadal, I forgot.

Losing record on clay, winning record on grass and hard in grand slam play.

 

[mike danny]

I would agree with you if it were AO or Wimb. Though at RG he has been vulnerable.

Ofcourse Novak is Novak and one should never count him out. Though I will be really surprised if Carlos loses this one. To me the only way Carlos loses this is if he is physically compromised or Novak somehow brings his peak level to this match.

Even if Novak brings his peak level, this isn't 2011 Novak. His peak level should be lower by default since he's 36.