Alcaraz Back in French Open Final – Musetti Retirement
- Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, secured his place in the French Open final Friday when Lorenzo Musetti retired during thier semifinal match.
- "It's not great to win a match like this," Alcaraz stated, acknowledging Musetti's talent and wishing him a swift recovery.
- Musetti received treatment on his left thigh late in the third set and again before the fourth.
Carlos Alcaraz is through to the French Open final after lorenzo Musetti’s heartbreaking retirement. The defending champion, Alcaraz, was leading 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when Musetti, hampered by injury, conceded the semifinal. This unexpected turn of events at the French Open sets the stage for Alcaraz to compete for his second French Open title and fifth major crown. Alcaraz acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances but is now focused on the final, where he’ll face either Jannik sinner or Novak Djokovic. Musetti’s early exit, due to an injury sustained late in the third set, cut short a match filled wiht intense rallies and dramatic shifts, leaving fans in anticipation of Sunday’s match. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on all of the top stories. Will Alcaraz claim victory? Discover what’s next to find out.
Alcaraz Advances to French Open Final as Musetti Retires
Updated June 06, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, secured his place in the French Open final Friday when Lorenzo Musetti retired during thier semifinal match. The French Open tennis tournament saw Alcaraz leading 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when the Italian, seeded eighth, stopped playing due to injury on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“It’s not great to win a match like this,” Alcaraz stated, acknowledging Musetti’s talent and wishing him a swift recovery.
Musetti received treatment on his left thigh late in the third set and again before the fourth. The 23-year-old called for a trainer after trailing 5-0 in the third set, which Alcaraz then clinched in just 21 minutes, winning 24 of 29 points.
Visibly hampered, Musetti sought further treatment. After Alcaraz broke his serve to lead 2-0, Musetti conceded, sharing a hug with alcaraz at the net.
Alcaraz struggled with 16 unforced errors in the first set, which Musetti won. “The first two sets were really tough,” alcaraz admitted. “When I won the second set I was relieved. Then in the third set I knew what I had to do… I managed to be myself, be more calm, I coudl see much clearer and play great tennis.”
Alcaraz, seeded second, aims for his second french open title and fifth major overall. He awaits the winner of the semifinal between top-ranked Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand slam winner Novak Djokovic.
Celebrities such as Dustin Hoffman and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry watched as Musetti showcased his skills early on, cheered by fans in Italian flag-colored wigs.
Alcaraz showed his frustration during the second set, kicking his seat at the changeover. Relief washed over him when he broke Musetti’s serve in the 11th game, celebrating with a triumphant fist pump.
Musetti broke back to force a tiebreaker, but Alcaraz dominated, securing the set when Musetti’s drop shot failed.
This was only Musetti’s second major semifinal, following wimbledon last year where he lost to Djokovic. Alcaraz affirmed his physical readiness for the final.”Really good. It’s been three intense weeks but I’m feeling great,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence right now. I’m going to give everything on Sunday.”
Alcaraz’s record on clay this year improves to 21-1. Musetti’s defeat prevents him from becoming the second Italian man to reach the French Open final after Adriano Panatta’s victory in 1976. Sinner still has the opportunity to achieve this feat.
What’s next
Alcaraz will face either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the French open final, seeking his second title at Roland Garros and a fifth major championship overall.