Sports News of Saturday, 7 June 2025
Source: www.ghanawebbers.com
Top seed Jannik Sinner reached the French Open final. He defeated Novak Djokovic in a tense semi-final match.
Sinner won with scores of 6-4, 7-5, and 7-6 (7-3). This victory ended Djokovic's hopes for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, 38, appeared emotional as he waved goodbye to the crowd. He placed his racquet bags down on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his second consecutive Roland Garros final. Eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury in their semi-final match.
Sinner is returning from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests. He will face Alcaraz on Sunday in what many expected.
Both players were favorites before the tournament began. Their rivalry continues to develop as they meet again.
Alcaraz was leading Musetti when he had to retire early. The score was 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), and 6-0, with Alcaraz ahead at 2-0 in the fourth set.
"It's never fair," said Alcaraz about Musetti's retirement. "I want to win but not like this."
Djokovic aimed to become the oldest Grand Slam men's champion ever. Despite his age, he showed he still has much to offer in tennis.
He sought his fourth title at Roland Garros and aimed for history. Djokovic fought hard against Sinner but struggled against him throughout the match.
Sinner is now ranked world number one at just 23 years old. Djokovic tried various tactics but found it hard to break Sinner’s serve.
The first set swung Sinner's way after breaking Djokovic's serve in the fifth game.
Djokovic improved early in the second set but couldn't break through Sinner’s defense.
After saving a break point, Djokovic expressed frustration over missed opportunities during the match.
He managed to break back for a tie at 5-5 but lost serve again soon after.
Before the third set, Djokovic received treatment for an upper leg issue. However, Sinner remained focused and handled pressure well throughout.
In a tense game at 5-4, Sinner saved three set points while Djokovic argued over a line call that went against him.
Sinner took control of the tie-break quickly and won it decisively. This sets up an exciting first Grand Slam final between him and Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz faced Lorenzo Musetti next and had previously beaten him three times this season.
Alcaraz has not played his best during this title defense but expected a tough match against Musetti.
Both players have excelled on clay this year with impressive records in major tournaments. Their competitive spirit showed during two high-quality sets of play.
Once Alcaraz leveled the match, he unleashed powerful shots that overwhelmed Musetti as injuries took their toll on him.
Musetti needed treatment for a thigh problem after losing the third set badly. It became clear he could not continue playing effectively afterward.
Despite reaching multiple semi-finals this season, questions lingered about Musetti's confidence against top players like Alcaraz.
He had lost twice to Alcaraz earlier this season but started strong by winning the opening set today.
Alcaraz focused intensely during crucial moments and leveled up by taking his third set point in a tie-breaker.
However, Musetti felt pain while serving and could only win five points in a quick third set.
After consulting with physiotherapists twice without improvement, Musetti decided to retire from the match.
With either Sinner or Alcaraz winning the trophy on Sunday, they have claimed six major titles between them recently.