Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic at the US Open to reach his 3rd Grand Slam final in a row
Carlos Alcaraz is writing his own chapter in tennis history. On Friday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 22-year-old Spaniard toppled Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2, securing a place in his third straight Grand Slam final.
From the opening game, when Alcaraz broke Djokovic’s serve, it was clear the young star’s speed and creativity were going to trouble the 38-year-old legend. Djokovic showed flashes of brilliance — a trademark backhand here, a fierce fist-pump there — but his body language betrayed frustration as errors mounted and his neck once again seemed to bother him.
Fans roared “No-le! No-le!” trying to will the Serb back into the contest. For a brief moment in the second set, when Djokovic surged to a 3-0 lead, it looked as if the match might stretch long into the night. But Alcaraz snapped back with fearless shot-making, even drawing applause from Djokovic himself after a stunning forehand pass.
“I’d say it wasn’t my best level, but I stayed solid from the first point to the last,” Alcaraz reflected afterward, his pink sleeveless shirt soaked in sweat.
The victory means Alcaraz will face either Jannik Sinner or Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday. A win would give him a second U.S. Open title and a sixth major overall — a staggering tally for a player barely into his twenties.
As for Djokovic, still stuck at 24 Slams, the wait for No. 25 continues. On this night, youth and fearlessness carried the day in New York.
Djokovic’s Struggles
Djokovic looked uncomfortable at times, stretching his neck and calling for a trainer. His shots lacked precision, and though he produced some brilliant winners — including a spectacular backhand that drew loud cheers — he couldn’t sustain his level.
Despite encouragement from fans chanting “No-le!,” Djokovic’s frustration showed with eye-rolls and grimaces after errors.
Who Alcaraz Faces Next
Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, will play for the U.S. Open championship on Sunday. His opponent will be either world No. 1 Jannik Sinner or No. 25 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
If Sinner wins, he would be the first man to defend the U.S. Open title since Roger Federer’s streak from 2004 to 2008. Alcaraz has faced Sinner twice this year already — beating him at the French Open, but losing to him at Wimbledon.
0 Comments