Tim Henman has revealed who will thinks will win the blockbuster French Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on Friday.
Djokovic and Alcaraz are the outright favourites to lift the Roland-Garros trophy this year but meet in the last four after ending up on the same side of the draw.
Alcaraz, 20, has established himself as an almost unstoppable force on clay and has won 25 of 27 matches on the surface this year – picking up titles in Argentina, Barcelona and Madrid – and the world No.1 is looking to land a second major title.
Djokovic, 36, stands in his way and is chasing a record in Paris as he looks to become a Grand Slam champion for the 23rd time – which would see him move past Rafael Nadal for the most major men’s singles titles in the history of tennis.
Former British No.1 Henman, working as a pundit for Eurosport, told Metro.co.uk about Djokovic: ‘There was a certain amount of emphasis on his preparations coming in. I wasn’t in any way concerned that he hadn’t won a clay-court title.
‘At this stage of his career, with his experience, the Slams are what it’s about and how he is going to be judged. He’s so experienced and he has an extra few gears when it comes to the Slams. He’s played exceptionally well.
‘They’ve both played very good tennis. Alcaraz had the better clay-court season, but it’s kind of irrelevant. It’s more relevant for Alcaraz because he’s younger and doesn’t have the Grand Slam experience.
‘He’s come in looking fit and healthy, in great form. Playing great tennis. That’s why we want to see this match up in the semi-finals. They are the two best clay-court players in the world right now if you take Rafael Nadal out of the equation. It’s a shame they were drawn in the same half.
‘I think [Djokovic] will respect Alcaraz and know that he’s got to play great tennis to beat him. He’s always embraced those challenges in his career. The vast majority of the time, he’s overcome those challenges.
‘I think the experience at this stage is a huge asset. Djokovic is 36, with all the Grand Slams he has won, he knows the routine. He knows the way to prepare and the way to play.
‘I was slightly surprised to hear him say [about minor injuries earlier in the tournament]. But then in his previous round he said it was the best he had felt. I don’t think there are any concerns at all. In Australia, I was much more concerned with that, but he is looking very fit and healthy.
‘I would just give the edge to Djokovic. His overall consistency, mentally as well as technically, is so sound. There are no weaknesses in his game. With that experience, he has been in this situation so many times.’
Asked if this was the biggest Grand Slam of Djokovic’s career, Henman added: ‘It’s the greatest opportunity. Roger Federer has retired, Nadal is injured and with him on 22 Slams as well, yeah, I do think… I think all the Slams are important, but this is his best opportunity.’
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