Novak Djokovic shares what he told injured Carlos Alcaraz with classy message

Djokovic and Alcaraz contested a thrilling first two sets of their semi-final match at Roland Garros. The Serb took the opener in 57 minutes before the top seed stormed back to take the second after an hour and 12 minutes.

It had all the makings of a classic but things turned at the start of the third set when the 20-year-old started cramping and forfeited a game so he could receive treatment – with physios unable to work on cramping players outside of a changeover. Alcaraz kept playing but won just one more game and after the match, Djokovic shared what he told his rival at the net.

“Tough luck for Carlos,” the world No 3 told the crowd. “Obviously at this level, the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems at the late stages of a Grand Slam so I feel for him, I feel sorry. I hope he can recover and he can come back very soon.”

Djokovic also opened up on what he told Alcaraz about the physical setback. He continued: “I told him at the net, you know, he knows how young he is. He’s got plenty of time ahead of him so he’s going to win this tournament I’m sure many, many times. He’s an unbelievable player, incredible competitor, very nice guy. So he deserves all the applause and all the support.”

The two-time French Open champion also commended his opponent for staying in the match. Alcaraz could be heard telling his coach that he didn’t want to retire while cramping and Djokovic said: “It’s tough obviously for him to not know whether he should retire the match or finish the match the way he did but congratulations to him for fighting spirit and hanging in all the way to the last point, respect for that, great respect.”

And Djokovic himself admitted it was tough for him physically after two tight sets. The Serb needed a medical time out for his right arm earlier in the match and added: “I think we were both at the physical limit to be honest towards the end of the second set. I wasn’t feeling fresh at all and we went toe-to-toe.