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Following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal as the second Spaniard to reach five major men’s singles finals, Carlos Alcaraz could emulate his childhood hero by winning his fifth major at the exact same age: 22 years, one month and three days.

The two-time Wimbledon champion has taken just 82 matches to reach 70 wins at slams – quicker than all but Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, who took 81.

He improved his record on clay this season to 21 wins in 22 matches – including title wins in Monte Carlo and Rome – after Lorenzo Musetti retired with injury when trailing in their semi-final.

“Most of the time it is just about suffering,” Alcaraz said when asked what it would take to beat either Sinner or Djokovic after winning Friday’s first semi-final.

“But my favourite thing is that it gives me the feedback of how I can be a better player. I think that’s important, and that’s beautiful. Even if I win or not, it gives you a lot of stats and feedback.”

On Jannik Sinner, he added: “He’s the best tennis player right now. I mean, he’s destroying every opponent.”