Alcaraz Defeats Djokovic at U.S. Open Semifinals

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz showcased his youthful energy and skill by defeating the more seasoned Novak Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday. This victory secures Alcaraz a spot in his third consecutive Grand Slam final.

Djokovic Acknowledges Tough Match

Post-match, Djokovic admitted he felt “gassed out” and accepted the defeat with resignation. The 38-year-old Serbian reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments this season but was eliminated at this stage each time, with losses to either the 22-year-old Alcaraz or 24-year-old Jannik Sinner.

Looking Ahead

Alcaraz is set to play against either defending champion Sinner or No. 25 Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final on Sunday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s attendance. Sinner aims to become the first man since Roger Federer to win consecutive titles at this tournament.

Alcaraz’s Impressive Performance

Throughout the tournament, Alcaraz has not lost a single set and is pursuing his sixth major title and second at Flushing Meadows. He previously faced Sinner at the French Open, winning, and then lost to him at Wimbledon.

Consistency in Focus

Reflecting on his consistency, Alcaraz said, “I’m working on being consistent in my performances throughout the tournaments and the year.” Previously, he had lost two matches against Djokovic, one in the Olympic final and the other in the Australian Open quarterfinals.

Challenges Ahead for Djokovic

Despite his career achievements, Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Slam title remains elusive. He believes managing the physical challenges posed by much younger opponents in best-of-five matches is difficult. “Slams are different from any other tournament; they are the most prestigious events in our sport,” he stated.

Match Insights

Djokovic struggled with his shots early, displaying frustration, while Alcaraz maintained his composure despite the pressure. Notably, Alcaraz faced no break points after losing an early game in the second set, showing remarkable resilience. After the match, he humorously commented on his new hairstyle, teasing surprises for the upcoming final.