Carlos Alcaraz continues to shine as one of tennis’s brightest stars, even when he’s not operating at full throttle. In a high-stakes semifinal at the 2025 US Open, the 22-year-old Spaniard defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets – 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 -at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The win booked his spot in a second career final in New York and his seventh Grand Slam final overall.
Despite the dominant scoreline, Alcaraz confessed that he didn’t feel he was playing at his highest level during the match.
“It wasn’t the best level of the tournament for me,” he admitted in his post-match interview. “But I just kept a good level from the beginning to the last point. I served pretty well, and today I think that was really, really important. I tried to play a very physical match, and I think I did it.”
Though he made more errors than usual and nearly dropped the second set in a tense tiebreak, Alcaraz’s composure never wavered. He held his nerve and executed key points with precision, showing the maturity of a seasoned champion.
His triumph was more than just another win, it marked a significant moment in his budding rivalry with Djokovic, narrowing their ATP head-to-head record to 4-5 across nine matches.
A rivalry brewing as the generational shift continues
Djokovic, at 38 years old, had the upper hand in their most recent encounters, including the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals and the 2024 Paris Olympics final. However, Alcaraz’s latest victory hints at a power shift in men’s tennis.
With this result, the younger star reasserts his place at the top of the sport, proving that he can go toe-to-toe with one of the game’s greatest, even on an off day.
This US Open run further solidifies Alcaraz’s reputation on hard courts. He now boasts an incredible 23-3 career record at Flushing Meadows, where he first won the title in 2022. He’s also built a commanding Grand Slam record of 83-13 and has won five of his six major finals so far.
Now, Alcaraz prepares for yet another championship showdown, where he will face either current World No. 1 Jannik Sinner or Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Both present unique challenges, but Alcaraz’s blend of mental toughness, shot-making, and endurance positions him as a favorite.
While Djokovic acknowledged he felt “gassed out” after the match, Alcaraz looked ahead with optimism. His ability to adapt under pressure, even when not at his best, highlights why many believe he is the future of the sport. As another US Open final approaches, all eyes remain fixed on the Spaniard, who continues to defy expectations and redefine greatness.
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