Analysis of the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: Alcaraz vs Auger Aliassime, Djokovic vs Musetti

Streaming M25 Denia live tennis

🎾 Mateo Luis Alvarez Sarmiento vs Lorenzo Angelini

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

Although it seems like just yesterday when the first rounds of the international event began, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are coming to an end. With a few surprises included, the current favorites are Novak Djokovic (from the upper part) and Carlos Alcaraz (from the lower part), just one match away from repeating the past duel we witnessed a couple of weeks ago in the Wimbledon final.

Before that potential final, according to the rankings, the Spaniard and the Serbian will have to overcome two rivals who were far from being favorites in the individual category in Paris. One of the biggest surprises on the men's side is Lorenzo Musetti, who will be Djokovic's opponent in the semis. The Italian player, ranked 16th in the world, made his debut in the French capital just hours after landing following his loss in the Umag final, Croatia. 

A streaking Lorenzo Musetti meets a doubt-ridden Novak Djokovic

Musetti has been achieving great results in both smaller tournaments and major events. After falling to Novak himself in the third round of Roland Garros in an epic battle that went to a fifth set and ended in the early hours of the morning, Lorenzo reached the semifinals in Stuttgart, the final in Queen's, semifinals at Wimbledon (losing to Djokovic), and that recent final in Umag. It seems that everything is falling into place for Lorenzo, who has the opportunity to make history this coming Friday, August 2.

The recent showdown at Roland Garros might give us a preview of how the match will unfold, with a confident Lorenzo daring to play drop shots and tempo changes, along with his almost unreachable forehand on the clay of Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic sustained an injury on the same court a few weeks ago, with issues resurfacing in his quarterfinal match. Despite his comeback from a 0-4 deficit, the discomfort on the court raised doubts about Novak's condition, especially after recent surgery.

In total, Lorenzo and Novak have faced each other 7 times, with a clear Serbian advantage at 6-1. The only time the Italian won was in their clash at Monte Carlo 2023, a three-set battle on clay, although the conditions in Paris are notably different now. More than Musetti's victory, the most promising aspect on his side is his current form and the close battle he had with Djokovic at the French Grand Slam. Everything will be in the hands of Novak, who remains the favorite for the match. Only he will know how he arrives with those knee issues.

Felix Auger Aliassime, seeking a turning point in his career against the unstoppable Carlos Alcaraz

Facing Casper Ruud in the quarters, the Canadian was not the favorite to reach the semifinals, but Felix seems closer than ever to taking that definitive step he has been urged to make for some time now. Auger Aliassime is heading into the medal rounds having dropped only one set along the way, just against the Norwegian. However, he wasn't only competing in this category for Canada. Felix played two matches on Thursday including mixed doubles, so perhaps fatigue could play a key role in his match with the Spanish player.

This was something Carlos also addressed a day after falling alongside Rafa Nadal in the doubles. Fatigue was setting in, but Alcaraz managed to find the necessary strength to keep advancing in the tournament. Carlos is aware that this factor won't disappear overnight, but his opponent won't arrive well-rested either. 

Carlos and Felix have faced off 6 times, with an even head-to-head record of 3-3. While the Spanish player has won their last three encounters, Auger Aliassime has also tasted victory. Alcaraz has the advantage on clay, as Felix has yet to disrupt the young Murcian's game on this surface, although his good form coming into this event could work in his favor. The world number three is the clear favorite to possibly close it out in two sets, but it wouldn't be unrealistic for Felix to take a set as well.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Análisis de las semifinales de los Juegos Olímpicos de París 2024: Alcaraz vs Auger Aliassime, Djokovic vs Musetti