US Open: Djokovic Battles Alcaraz for Final Berth, Aims to Disrupt Anticipated Sinner Showdown

Novak Djokovic is back in the US Open semifinals, but can the 38-year-old rewrite the script that has increasingly favoured Carlos Alcaraz? Chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam, Djokovic enters his 53rd major semifinal and 14th at Flushing Meadows.

Yet, his last Slam final ended in heartbreak at Wimbledon 2024, where Alcaraz swept him aside in straight sets. Has time tilted the balance toward the 22-year-old Spaniard, or can Djokovic summon the resilience that has defined his career?

Their rivalry remains tantalising: Djokovic leads 5-3, with recent wins at the Australian Open and Paris Olympics, but Alcaraz holds the edge on the sport's biggest stage.

Alcaraz, who has powered into his ninth Slam semifinal without conceding a set, looks fresher and hungrier. For Djokovic, it's about proving he still belongs at the summit. For Alcaraz, it's about seizing the mantle. Whose moment will shine brighter in New York?

Can Djokovic break the semi-final jinx?

Djokovic has never feared the big stage. Yet in 2025, the semifinal line has become an invisible wall. The Serb has fallen at this very hurdle three times already-retiring hurt against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, then outclassed by Jannik Sinner in straight sets at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Three majors, three semifinal heartbreaks-proof that even for the greatest, time can be cruel.

But Djokovic is also a man of records. With yet another Grand Slam semifinal, more than any player in history, he has now become the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the last four at all four majors in a single season.

His authoritative win over Taylor Fritz -6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4-showed there's still fuel in the tank.

So, can he finally smash the jinx and return to a Grand Slam final, chasing that elusive 25th crown? Or will New York become another stop where the mountain peak remains just out of reach?

DJOKOVIC READY TO SPOIL SINCARAZ FINAL PARTY?

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have faced off four times in 2025, each match being a final-including the epic 2025 French Open final (won by Alcaraz after 5 h 29 m, from two sets down, saving three championship points) and Wimbledon (won by Sinner).

At the US Open, a "Sincaraz" final looms-if both win their semis. Yet Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th major, stands in the way. He faces Alcaraz in the semis and vows to mess up the plans for another Sinner-Alcaraz showdown.

"We know that they are the two best players in the world. Everybody is probably expecting and anticipating the finals between the two of them. I'm going to try to mess up the plans of most of the people. Let's see. Sinner still has to win a couple of matches to get to the final. But they are playing the best tennis of any players here. They have been the dominant force since the beginning of the tournament," Djokovic said.

"But I definitely am not going with a white flag on the court. I don't think anybody does really when they play them, but particularly not me. I put myself in another semi-final of a Grand Slam this year. I have been very consistent, most consistent on Slams this season and that's what I said at the beginning of the year, where I would like to perform my best tennis and make the best results," Djokovic added.

DOES DJOKOVIC HAVE IT IN HIM?

Djokovic once again stands on the cusp of history, but his path to glory runs through Alcaraz, who has been in scintillating form this season. Alcaraz has won nearly 90 percent of his matches, lifting six titles, including Masters crowns in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati.

He defended his French Open title and has stormed through the US Open without dropping a set. Crossing the 10,000-point mark in the ATP rankings, Alcaraz has signaled not just dominance, but inevitability.

This semifinal is more than just another clash-it is legacy versus momentum, the most accomplished champion of his era against the man many believe is destined to inherit his throne.

The question now is not whether Alcaraz can push Djokovic, but whether Djokovic's greatness can still resist the tide of time. The odds may not tilt in his favour, but dismiss Djokovic at your own peril.

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall

Matches - 8, Novak Djokovic - 5, Carlos Alcaraz - 3

In Grand Slams

Matches - 4, Novak Djokovic - 2, Carlos Alcaraz - 2

Where to watch Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz US Open semi-final?

• Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for US Open 2025. Live Streaming of the match can be watched on the JioHotstar app.

When to watch Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz US Open semi-final?

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• The Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz match in the US Open will start at 12:30 AM IST (September 6), 03:00 PM local time (September 5). It's the second match of the day at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.