Carlos Alcaraz recounts watching Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic French Open battles

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• Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz says he still perfectly remembers watching his idol Rafael Nadal play against Novak Djokovic at the French Open and thinking he would one day be in that position. Alcaraz, 20, ousted Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to set up a French Open semifinal against Djokovic.

"I remember watching all [Novak Djokovic's] duels against Rafa [Nadal] here in Paris and when I saw them on TV, I told myself that one day I would be there. Luckily, that day has come, so this It's a dream come true. I'll try to impose my style of play and have a great game.

He is one of the best in history and I don't think at any time if he will keep up with my pace, but rather the other way around; if I can stand the level of demand he sets. What amazes me the most about Novak is how he hits the ball with all his shots, he makes you see no flaw in his tennis and his average level is very high, he forces you to maintain your best tennis for a long time," Alcaraz said, via Sportskeeda.

Alcaraz aims to beat Djokovic, land his first French Open title

Alcaraz is in great form and his 6-2 6-1 7-6 (5) win over Tsitsipas left many heavily impressed. Tsitsipas, ranked at No 5 in the world, pretty much looked without a chance as Alcaraz was the one who was in complete control of the match.

On the other side, Djokovic survived a scare in the French Open quarterfinal as he recovered from a set down to beat Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-6 (0) 6-2 6-4. Going into the match, Alcaraz highlighted Djokovic cannot be underestimated by any means.

"Wherever he competes, he will be the favourite, in any tournament, because he is a true legend. I am not saying it to throw balls away, I really mean it. He has won twice here and it would have been many more if he had not run into the best in history on this surface," Alcaraz noted.