While he continued playing,the US Open champion was clearly hampered but Djokovic was merciless,dropping only one of 12 games to book a spot for Sunday’s showdown against either last year’s runner-up Casper Ruud or German Alexander Zverev.
It was unclear whether Alcaraz,who skipped this year’s Australian Open because of a hamstring injury,was suffering from cramps or injured.
Djokovic will play his 34th grand slam final,his seventh at Roland Garros,where he lifted the Musketeers’ Cup twice,in 2016 and 2021.
The 36-year-old was facing the ultimate test against Alcaraz,who had bulldozed through the draw,only for the machine to break down in abrupt fashion.
“Tough luck for Carlos. Obviously at this level,the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems in the last stages of a Grand Slam,” said Djokovic,who was in his 46th semi-final at a major.
“It was probably difficult for him to decide whether he should retire or continue until the last point but he’s a fighter,so respect to him for that.”