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Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after beating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals
Photo:
Manu Fernández / AP
Tennis star Novak Djokovic retired from the ATP Masters in Madrid.
The world number one lost two weeks before the French Open in the semifinals against Spain's shooting star Carlos Alcaraz 7: 6 (7: 5), 5: 7, 6: 7 (5: 7) and thus missed his second final of the year after his final defeat in Belgrade .
In Roland Garros, the 34-year-old is the defending champion from May 22nd.
The sensational 19-year-old Alcaraz had defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time in the Spanish generational duel on Friday - he also demanded everything from Djoković in the first meeting.
The Serb held back well, played tactically well and countered his opponent's shots and countless stops.
In the end, however, he ran out of strength after more than three and a half hours.
Djoković had previously advanced to the semifinals without losing a set.
Since his comeback in early April, his goal has been to bring himself back to his top level for the French Open in Paris from May 22nd.
At the Australian Open in January, the 20-time Grand Slam winner was not allowed to start as an unvaccinated athlete.
In the final on Sunday there will be a duel between Alcaraz and the German Olympic champion Alexander Zverev or the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
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