Updates from the first of the men’s semi-finals
Alcaraz v Djokovic: two contrasting careers | Email Katy
Tim Henman is going for an Alcaraz win in four sets, as is former NFL player Jason Bell, who’s a guest in the Sky studio. I’m not going to argue with that; I’m predicting Alcaraz in four too. “Djokovic can keep it close, but that speed of movement and firepower from the back of the court and extra sparkling of stardust that Alcaraz has will get him over the line,” Henman says. Poor Martina hasn’t yet been asked for her prediction. Good to see she’s back on Sky after this. Awkward.
“Alcaraz should be the clear favourite against Djokovic - he’s young, in his athletic prime and is riding a wave of absurd consistency,” emails an excited Gavriella Epstein-Lightma. “He’s reached the finals in each of his last seven tournaments. Alcaraz’s last defeat that did not fall in a final was in Miami against ... David Goffin.
“Yet the one thing that should give Djokovic a tiny glimmer of hope is the curious reality that Alcaraz sometimes falters against Djokovic. Whereas Sinner now dispatches Djokovic with ruthless efficiency (as seen in how he is 6-0 in sets at grand slams against Djokovic this year), Alcaraz has more to prove. What a tantalising prospect this match is.”
