Novak Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semi-final. The score was 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 in New York. He was chasing a 25th grand slam title. He could not match the speed and weight of shot. The result felt decisive by the end.
Djokovic said Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are too strong right now. He has fallen at the semi-final stage in all four majors this season. He plans to keep playing next year. He knows best-of-five is the main test at his age. His body is feeling the strain.
US Open Highlights: Key Moments and Why It Mattered
Alcaraz broke early and set the tone. He served with calm hands in key points. He took the second set in a tight tiebreak. The third set went by fast as Djokovic faded.
Djokovic called the trainer for his upper shoulder. He tried to shorten points with quick strikes. Alcaraz answered with depth and angles. He won the long rallies and closed at the net when needed.
The numbers told a clear story. Alcaraz won most first-serve points. He kept errors low in the tiebreak. Djokovic had two costly double faults late. The gap grew as the match went on.
This loss continues a sharp trend. Djokovic retired in Melbourne. He lost to Sinner in Paris and at Wimbledon. Now he falls to Alcaraz in New York. Four slams. Four semi-final exits. No finals this year.
US Open Live Talking Points: What Comes Next
Alcaraz reaches the final without dropping a set. He looks fresh and confident. He will face Jannik Sinner or Félix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday. He could make history with another straight-sets win.
Djokovic leaves with big questions. He says best-of-three still suits him. Best-of-five against Alcaraz and Sinner is the hurdle. He will target smarter scheduling. He will target recovery and sharper starts.
The men’s field has a clear shape now. Alcaraz and Sinner are setting the pace. Their tempo is heavy, quick, and brave at big points. Djokovic still reads the court well. But the legs are not always there.
The women’s final is set for Saturday. Amanda Anisimova meets Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka is the defending champion. Anisimova is chasing her first US Open crown. It will be a strong contrast of styles.
Short Analysis: Form, Fitness, and the Long View
Alcaraz is peaking at the right time. His first step looks electric. His serve placement is sharp. He makes you move, then he passes. The drop shot still appears at the right moments.
Djokovic can still play great tennis. He reached four major semi-finals at 38. That speaks to his class and craft. But he needs clean sets early. He needs shorter exchanges. He needs scoreboard pressure sooner.
The sport is turning a page. Alcaraz is already a multiple-slam winner. Sinner is a world No. 1 and a force. Djokovic is still in the fight. Yet the biggest stages now demand more pace for longer. That is where the new guard shines.
This was a hard night for Djokovic. Alcaraz was ruthless in the key games. US Open Highlights: Djokovic Humbled by Alcaraz and Sinner After Crushing Semi-Final Defeat is the story of a shift at the top.
Info at your fingertips-
Q1: What was the final score?
Alcaraz won 6-4, 7-6, 6-2. He sealed the match after taking a tense second-set tiebreak. Djokovic slowed in the third.
Q2: What did Djokovic say after the match?
He said Alcaraz and Sinner are “too good” in best-of-five right now. He will keep playing and try again next season. He knows fitness is key.
Q3: Did Alcaraz drop a set on the way to the final?
No. He has not lost a set at this US Open. His serve targets and early strikes have held firm under pressure.
Q4: Who could Alcaraz face in the final?
He will face Jannik Sinner or Félix Auger-Aliassime. The final is on Sunday in New York. The matchup will be fast and fierce.
Q5: What is the women’s final?
Aryna Sabalenka plays Amanda Anisimova on Saturday. Sabalenka is the defending champion. Anisimova is seeking her first title here.
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