Novak Djokovic showcased his trademark skills early in Friday’s US Open semifinals, chasing down a deep corner smash from Carlos Alcaraz and firing a backhand down the line, eliciting cheers from the crowd. However, the Serbian star, aged 38, ultimately fell in straight sets 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 to the tournament’s rising superstar.
Djokovic appeared to run out of energy early in the third set after losing a second-set tiebreaker. The physical demands of competing against the No. 2 seed, who had not dropped a set throughout the tournament, proved too much. Djokovic had previously hinted at retirement following his French Open loss to Jannik Sinner, and his post-match comments echoed those sentiments.
“I’m happy with my level of tennis, but it’s just
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Alcaraz dominated with extraordinary speed and court coverage, retrieving drop shots, hitting cross-court winners, and forcing Djokovic into extended rallies. The 22-year-old’s relentless energy highlighted the challenge of facing a younger, faster opponent in a best-of-five Grand Slam match.
Djokovic remains pragmatic about his prospects: “It will be very difficult in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner or Alcaraz in a best-of-5 in a Grand Slam. Best-of-3 is slightly more manageable, but best-of-5 is tough. I’m going to continue fighting, try to reach finals, and fight for another trophy, but it will be a difficult task.”
Despite the loss, Djokovic still leads 5-3 in career meetings with Alcaraz, including a win in the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, though he has struggled against Sinner, losing the last five encounters after initially leading 4-1.
Since Novak Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph at the 2023 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated, winning the next seven majors. That streak could extend to eight if the top-seeded player defeats Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime as the heavy favorite on Friday night.
“(That’s) not to say I’m going to skip Grand Slams. I still want to play a full Grand Slam season next year,” Djokovic said. “Let’s see if that’s going to happen or not. They’re the pillars of our sport and the most important tournaments we have. I do fancy my chance a bit more in best-of-3, one-week tournaments, or Masters events where there are a few days between matches. That could serve me better in matchups with them.”
Djokovic has generally ranked as the third-best player in these majors during the Alcaraz and Sinner dominance. However, as he noted after Friday’s loss, he is no longer in his prime, and facing potential five-set battles against these younger stars presents a formidable challenge.
