Carlos Alcaraz backs up Rafael Nadal win to take down Novak Djokovic and book place in Madrid Open final

Carlos Alcaraz produced another sensational display as he came from a set down to stun world No.1 Novak Djokovic and book a place in the Madrid Open final. The 19-year-old became the first ever player to beat both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the same event on clay as he ousted the top seed 7-6(5) 5-7 6-7(5) after an enthralling three hours and 35 minutes inside the Manolo Santana Stadium.

Ad/> Alcaraz is now the second youngest player to reach a second Masters 1000 final following his title triumph in Miami earlier this year, and will meet either Stefanos Tsitsipas or defending champion, Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s showpiece. ATP MadridDjokovic on 'amazing' Alcaraz, Real Madrid stars attend Spanish clash — Madrid Open diary10 HOURS AGO /> There was no doubt this showdown was being earmarked as a true barometer of Djokovic’s current level after such a turbulent and disrupted start to his 2022 campaign.

This was only the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s 11th match of the season and he had barely been troubled en route to this stage in the Spanish Capital after easing past Gael Monfils and Hubert Hurkacz with a walkover against Andy Murray sandwiched in-between. That all changed in the very first game as Alcaraz claimed an immediate break with a stunning backhand pass before fending off a break back chance to move 2-0 up.

Djokovic responded with some highly efficient serving and continued to threaten the break back, but the fearless Spaniard hit clutch mode to stay in front until the eighth game when four unforced errors allowed the 37-time Masters 1000 champion to level at 4-4. At one point Djokovic won 21 points in succession on his own serve, but he could not secure another break as Alcaraz dug deep to force the tie