Carlos Alcaraz described his French Open demolition of fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter finals on Tuesday as one of the best matches of his young career and said his level was only improving ahead of a meeting with Novak Djokovic.

Barring a late wobble that only slightly delayed the inevitable on the floodlit Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz was in supreme form as he sealed a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6(5) win to set up the mouthwatering semi-final on Friday.

“Yeah, I think my level is getting better every time I’m winning. I think today (Tuesday) was such a great level. I played really well. I’d say one of the best matches of my career,” Alcaraz told reporters.

“I’d say everything that I did, it was easy. Every shot that I’m making in the match means that I’m really comfortable with that shot.

“I feel great. I feel that every time that I make that shot, it’s going to be in. So it’s simple for me, as well.”

Alcaraz, who is chasing a second major title, knows exactly what it takes to get past 22-time grand slam champion Djokovic, having beaten the Serbian in three sets when they clashed for the first time in Madrid last year.

Their battle for the No. 1 ranking has proven to be a long-distance rivalry this season due to injuries and Djokovic being forced to miss the US hardcourt swing over his refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine.

“Since the (Roland Garros) draw came out, everyone was expecting this match, the semi-final against Novak. Myself as well. I really want to play that match,” Alcaraz said.

“Since last year I really wanted to play again against him. We’re both playing at a great level and as I said before, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. So I’m really looking forward to that match. I’m going to enjoy it.

“Of course for me, it’s amazing to make history, playing a semi-final with such a legend like Novak. So it’s going to be a great match for me.”

‘Self belief the key’

Alcaraz is primed to push for tennis greatness and his self belief will be an important tool in achieving it, his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero said.

“He’s ready to try to do big things in tennis. I don’t know if it’s going to be this tournament, but he’s ready,” Ferrero, who has worked with Alcaraz for nearly five years, said.

“He dreams very big about what he can do. It’s one of the most important things that he believes in himself and he believes he can win against everybody.”