Carlos Alcaraz v Novak Djokovic: ATP Finals semi-final – live | ATP Finals

Djokovic* 6-3 1-1 Alcaraz

One sloppy miss on the web from Djokovic apart, it’s one other routine maintain.

Djokovic 6-3 0-1 Alcaraz*

Good response from Alcaraz after the best way he crumbled on the finish of the primary. He has Djokovic scampering across the courtroom once more, then, at 30-0, the Spaniard hits a miraculous forehand to depart his opponent splayed on the courtroom. Another ace seals it.

Djokovic wins the primary set! Djokovic 6-3 Alcaraz

Djokovic 5-3 Alcaraz*

Another ace to begin for Alcaraz, his fifth, however Djokovic has his first sniff of a break with some first rate returning on his forehand aspect to go up 15-30. A free backhand from Alcaraz and Djokovic has what he desires… two break factors. One is saved on a second serve however when Alacarz dumps a backhand down the road into the online the jig is up. Djokovic will now serve for the primary set.

Djokovic* 4-3 Alcaraz

No doubt Djokovic is working tougher for factors on serve, however to this point he appears unflustered. In the lengthy rallies the world No 1 is taking part in effectively contained in the baseline and goading Alcaraz into making dangerous huge photographs. Another mistake when lining up a forehand winner on the web denies Djokovic an ideal service sport, however he wastes little time closing it out at 40-15.

Djokovic 3-3 Alcaraz*

The Alcaraz first serve has been immaculate to this point, solely missed in three service ames. The trajectory could be very flat over the online to offer Djokovic little probability to claw his method into factors on the return.

Djokovic* 3-2 Alcaraz

Alcaraz will get to 0-30 shortly with some fantastic returning, however Djokovic responds with a few quirky serves to the physique. Alcaraz is making the operating however simply when his opponent appears on the ropes at 30-30 Djokovic pins the Spaniard on the web with an arrowed backhand. Fist pumps from Djokovic as he triumphs in an epic rally at deuce, however on the very subsequent level he blazes a straightforward winner lengthy. Alcaraz actually ought to have earned one other break level when he has Djokovic on the ropes however the Serb places up some unimaginable defence and earns a hard-fought sport with sturdy first serve.

Djokovic 2-2 Alcaraz*

Lovely forehand drop shot from Alcaraz to go 15-0 up, from there it’s a fairly easy service sport with two aces. Interestingly, Djokovic is daring Alcaraz to maintain hitting his favoured forehand and it’s tactic that has received him a few low cost factors. It is a harmful sport of threat and reward as a result of if Alcaraz will get that going even Djokovic is perhaps in bother.

Djokovic* 2-1 Alcaraz

This time Djokovic doesn’t give his opponent a lot of a sniff.

Djokovic 1-1 Alcaraz*

Less bother for Alcaraz on his first serve, he races to 40-0 earlier than Djokovic earns a few free factors because the ball goes lengthy, however the younger Spaniard closes out with a strong forehand.

Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz

Just a tasty five-minute opening salvo to begin then. Alcaraz reveals he has come to play, huge backhand is adopted up with a neat close-out volley on the web. Next up, the Spaniard fires a forehand winner to go 0-30. Big serve from Djokovic, 15-30. Another piercing backhand from Alcaraz units up two break factors. One is saved because of a web wire bounce then Alcaraz slumps a forehand into the online to stage at deuce. Two good serves from Djokovic earns him the primary sport.

It shall be Djokovic to serve first.

The gamers are almost performed with the warmups. Action underway shortly.

Simon McMahon is a person after my very own coronary heart:

Hi Tom,

Djokovic is a wierd one. He’s good at tennis, of that there’s little question. But not that likeable, for apparent causes. A much less effectively appreciated GOAT in any sport could be onerous to search out, I feel. Federer too, distinctive expertise, however, effectively, only a bit too good, in case you get my drift. Nadal, a genius on clay, however effectively, meh. Which leaves Andy Murray, who has all the pieces you need from a significant worldwide tennis star, besides possibly the Grand Slam titles. But I’d take him any time over the opposite three. He’s the Lendl to their Connors, Borg and McEnroe. And I like him for it.

Murray discovered learn how to be beloved in a method not like anybody else. Djokovic, Nadal and Federer (though to a lesser context) are appreciated for being nice, Murray grew to become appreciated for being himself.

Right, the gamers are making their method on to courtroom. More like a boxing ring stroll or a gladiator entry than your common tennis providing. I’ve been to this occasion when it was in London and it does work effectively within the venue.

Here’s a reminder of when these two final met. Buy the hype on this one, belief me:

We have an e mail from Krishnamoorthy:

Hello Tom,

After Roger Federer retired and Rafael Nadal form of went into oblivion, I’ve turn out to be a supporter of whoever performs in opposition to Djokovic. I’m certain I’m not alone.

You aren’t, Krishnamoorthy, however be ready for Djokohive to offer simply nearly as good they get.

When I stated Alcaraz had not been in one of the best kind, that’s after all relative. He has nonetheless been producing some unimaginable tennis this week. This, for instance…

Preamble