Carlos Alcaraz stopped Novak Djokovic from reaching a record 25th Grand Slam title by beating him in straight sets at the US Open semi-finals.[1]
The 22-year-old Spaniard won 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 to book his place in his second US Open final. Djokovic, who is 38, was hoping to close a 16-year age gap and reach another major final.
Alcaraz will now face Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the final. Sinner won his semi-final by beating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a tough match, which also marked his 300th career win.
This final will be the first time in the Open Era that the same two players have met in three Grand Slam finals in one season.
Alcaraz in top form
Djokovic had two days off before the match, but Alcaraz looked sharp from the start. He hadn’t lost a set all tournament, and his performance was once again impressive.
The win was sweet revenge for Alcaraz, who had lost to Djokovic earlier this year at the Australian Open and the Olympic final.
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said:
“It’s an amazing feeling to reach another US Open final. I think my serve was very strong today, which helped me a lot.”
Big names in the crowd
Fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium included stars like Hugh Jackman and Jon Bon Jovi, who came to watch the highly anticipated clash.
Alcaraz broke Djokovic’s serve in the first game and stayed strong throughout. Djokovic had some moments of brilliance, but he struggled to break Alcaraz’s serve.
The second set was tighter, and Djokovic took a 3-0 lead, but he couldn’t hold it. Alcaraz fought back and won the set in a tie-break.
Djokovic called for the trainer during the match to treat his neck and shoulder, but things didn’t get better. He made two double faults in the third set, giving Alcaraz a key break.
From there, Alcaraz didn’t look back. He was faster, stronger, and more consistent, finishing the match in style.
Looking ahead
Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam at the US Open in 2022. He’s now chasing his sixth major title and his second of the year.
Djokovic, however, says he’s not done yet. He plans to keep playing in 2026, even if it gets harder against younger stars like Sinner and Alcaraz.
“I still want to fight for Grand Slams,” said Djokovic. “But in best-of-five matches, it’s getting very difficult. Still, I’ll keep trying.”
References
- ^ US Open semi-finals. (sportsration.com)