Djokovic Vows to Continue Grand Slam Pursuit After US Open Semi-Final Loss

Novak Djokovic, after losing his US Open semi-final match against Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets on Friday in New York, has committed to continuing his pursuit of Grand Slam titles despite his age. The 38-year-old Serbian's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title was halted by the younger Spaniard in a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 defeat.Djokovic expressed his determination to compete in all Grand Slam tournaments next year, emphasizing their significance in tennis."I'm not giving up on Grand Slams, I'm going to continue fighting," Djokovic said. "I still want to play a full Grand Slam season next year. They are just different from any other tournament. They are the pillars of our sport."The Serbian veteran had previously cautioned that peak physical condition would be crucial for challenging Alcaraz. The men's tennis landscape has recently been dominated by Alcaraz and Italian world number one Jannik Sinner, who have claimed the last seven Grand Slam tournaments between them.
"I ran out of gas after the second set," Djokovic said. "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.""I'm happy with my level of tennis, but you know, it's just the physicality of it," Djokovic said. "As I said after the quarter-finals, I'm going to do my very best to get my body in shape to sustain that level and that rhythm for as many hours as it's needed, but it wasn't enough. That's something I, unfortunately at this point in time in my career, can't control."Djokovic acknowledged the increasing challenge of competing with younger players in longer matches."I can do only as much as I can do. 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 best-of-three, but best-of-five, it's tough."Despite the loss, Djokovic showed respect for his younger rivals, collectively known as "Sincaraz.""It's never fun losing a tennis match, but at the same time, if I'm to lose to someone, I would lose to these two guys," Djokovic said. "I know that they are just better at the moment. You just have to hand it to them and say, 'Well done.'"