Carlos Alcaraz sweeps aside Novak Djokovic as Serbian admits Grand Slam future in doubt
By
SABC Sport
6th September 2025
Carlos Alcaraz ended Novak Djokovic's US Open run with a commanding 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 semi-final win in New York, underlining the growing gulf between the 22-year-old and the 38-year-old Serbian.
Djokovic was still able to deliver some impressive tennis at times against Alcaraz - 16 years his junior - but he looked like a fading champion long before the final blow was struck.
After the defeat, Djokovic was forced to face up to a sobering reality about his 2025 Grand Slam season, admitting that he may struggle to win another major if Alcaraz and World No 1 Jannik Sinner continue to perform at such a high level - even though he once again insisted he's not ready to give up.
"It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams. I think I have a better chance in best-of-three, but best-of-five, it's tough," said Djokovic.
"I'm not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard, having said that. I'm going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy at least. But, you know, it's going to be a very difficult task."
Djokovic has lost twice against Sinner in Grand Slam semi-finals this year and now has to accept this defeat against Alcaraz and he was forced to accept a chastening reality.
"I lost three out of four Slams in semis against these guys, so they're just too good, playing on a really high level," he added.
"Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set. I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that, I was gassed out, and he kept going.
"That's kind of what I felt this year also with Jannik. Yeah, best-of-five makes it very, very difficult for me to play them. Particularly if it's like the end stages of the Grand Slam.
"It's frustrating on the court when you are not able to keep up with that level physically, but at the same time, it's something also expected, I guess. It comes with time and with age."
Djokovic was asked if he was considering retiring from tennis and he insisted his current mindset was to continue to fight on, but he admitted it was a "discussion I need to have with my team".
Meanwhile, Alcaraz struck a more upbeat tone after his victory, offering quotes that will come as no comfort to Djokovic as he contemplates his Grand Slam future.
"Today wasn't my best level of the tournament but I kept going to the last point and I served well today which was important," said the young Spaniard.
"It feels amazing to be in the final again, it means a lot to me."
