Novak Djokovic defied age and seedings to defeat the robotic Alexander Zverev in four sets and remind everyone why he has not lost on Court Philippe-Chatrier since 2022. Few pundits had predicted a serious title challenge from Djokovic here after he had lost his first match at four separate tournaments since January’s Australian Open.

Djokovic 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.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz is chasing a second French Open title and fifth major overall. Alcaraz beat Musetti twice on clay this season — in the Italian Open semifinals and the Monte Carlo Masters final.