World number one Jannik Sinner defeated record-chasing Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a clash of generations on Friday to set up a blockbuster French Open final showdown with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Playing a younger, modern version of himself, the 38-year-old Djokovic looked every bit his age for a while on Court Philippe Chatrier as Sinner used his blistering forehand to send the Serbian chasing the ball left, right and centre.

But the former Serbian world number one, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, showed he thrived on the grandest stage and threatened a comeback only to miss three set points in the third.

The Italian, who recently came back from a doping ban, stood firm in the tiebreak and wrapped up the contest on his second match point.

He will face a sterner test in Sunday's final against Alcaraz, who composed himself after a slow start before charging into back-to-back French Open finals when eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired with a left thigh injury while trailing 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0.

Alcaraz is attempting to become only the third man to retain his Roland Garros title this century after Rafa Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten. (Reuters)