Posted on 06/09/2023 9:58:29 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Novak Djokovic used every bit of his experience, relentlessness and fitness to beat a cramping Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 at the French Open on Friday and move one win away from a record 23rd Grand Slam title.
The No. 1-ranked Alcaraz produced one particularly brilliant shot -- one that went viral within minutes and could be talked about for years -- en route to claiming the second set of what, at the time, was a closely contested and thrilling showdown.
But in the end, this highly anticipated matchup was as anti-climatic as can be. That's because early in the third set, after nearly 2 1/2 hours of exertion and tension in 85-degree heat at Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz's body began to lock up. First, his hand began to cramp. Then his legs.
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.com ...
So the early part of the match. Two great athletes.
Disappointing
Unless you bet on it, I am surprised by your response. Djokovic is a global hero against COVID tyranny. He would have been 5 GS wins ahead of Nadal (a prick who mocked Novak after his removal from Australia in 2021) by now, had he not been banned by every major turney over the past 2.5 years.
I think he means it was disappointing an injury effected the match.
OTOH, you likely just meant the lack of competitiveness was disapppointing. if so, my bad.
Yep, I should have realized that. This is where experience comes in. Djokovic is very into natural therapies and defintely balances his system with proper electrolytes (not trash like Gatorade, etc) - especially the most critical mineral of all: Magnesium Glycinate, which typically beats back cramps very effectively.
Does everything have to be political?
A lot pros say it’s a learning process, to play in these big games. Alcaraz only turned 20 on May 5th.
Живела Србија! Long live Serbia!!!!
A lot of Serbs in sports news this week.
Ever since 2000 when the Dems proved to be Gore losers.
Go Novak!!👏👏👏
Yep, it’s great to see white Euro players dominate the NBA.
I saw a Novak match center court when he was 16. Knew he had greatness.
Yes I thought it would be a five-set slugfest. But Alcaraz... I think he needs to do a better job of conditioning. Still, if not derailed by injury or personal problems, he has a great future in men’s tennis.
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