New York: The French Open semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti was supposed to be a battle of rising titans. What fans witnessed instead was a stunning emotional shift—from intensity to heartbreak—when Musetti was forced to retire early in the fourth set, handing Alcaraz a bittersweet ticket to the final.
Musetti, who started the match strong and took the first set 6–4, began to visibly struggle with movement by the third. The Italian star, just 22, attempted to push through, but after a medical timeout and a fading performance in the fourth, he retired trailing 4–6, 7–6(3), 6–0, 2–0.
The stadium was silent. What was shaping up to be a classic clay-court showdown ended in confusion, sympathy, and concern.
What Happened to Musetti? Injury Forces Sudden Retirement
So, why did Musetti retire?
According to early reports from the Roland Garros medical team, Musetti suffered an acute left thigh injury that began flaring in the second set and worsened rapidly. He attempted to power through the pain but was ultimately unable to continue.
Walkovers in tennis aren’t rare—but seeing one in a Grand Slam semifinal between two rising stars hit differently. Especially when both had something to prove.
“He was playing incredible in the first set,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. “I’m really sad for him. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
From Collapse to Comeback: Alcaraz Keeps His Focus
Despite the ending, Carlos Alcaraz once again showed why he’s one of the most feared players on clay. After a shaky first set, the 21-year-old Spaniard adjusted his strategy, using topspin-heavy forehands and net approaches to dominate the second and third sets.
He won 13 of the next 15 games after dropping the opener. His ability to mentally reset and physically outlast his opponent proved crucial—especially with the Roland Garros trophy within reach.
This is Alcaraz’s second French Open final appearance, and a win here could mark his fifth career Grand Slam.
What’s Next: Djokovic or Sinner Awaits in the Final
Alcaraz will face either world No. 1 Jannik Sinner or 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the final. Both bring completely different challenges—Sinner’s form is red-hot, while Djokovic’s Grand Slam record speaks for itself.
Whoever it is, one thing’s clear: Alcaraz is ready.
Fans React: “This Felt Like a Win Without Joy”
Tennis fans took to X (formerly Twitter) in droves after Musetti’s retirement, many expressing sympathy and a shared sense of disappointment:
“Musetti was putting up a fight. No one wanted it to end like this.”
“Alcaraz deserves it, but I hope Musetti heals soon. That hurt to watch.”
Others praised Alcaraz for his poise and respect. “He didn’t celebrate wildly. That was pure class,” one fan posted.
