Carlos Alcaraz easily beat 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic to reach the US Open final, where he faces another potential clash with world number one Jannik Sinner. Watch the US Open climax live on Sky Sports Tennis, Sky Sports+, NOW and the Sky Sports app.
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Highlights from Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic's US Open semifinal
Novak Djokovic says he will not give up on Grand Slam tournaments and will “keep fighting” after being knocked out of the US Open by Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.
Alcaraz withstood every attempt by Djokovic to pounce on him before reaching his second US Open final and denying the 38-year-old a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic went into the match hoping to overcome a 16-year age gap in his fourth Grand Slam semi-final this season, but the Spaniard prevailed 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.
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Painful
Novak Djokovic becomes the second player to lose all four semi-finals in a single season at a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era (along with Conchita Martinez in 1995).
“I'm happy with my level of tennis, but it's just a physical thing,” Djokovic said after the defeat.
“As I said after the quarter-finals, I will do everything possible to get my body in shape and maintain this level and rhythm for as many hours as it takes, but it was not enough.
“Unfortunately, at this stage of my career, I have no control over that.
“I can only do as much as I can. In the future, it will be very difficult for me to break the barrier of Jannik Sinner or Alcaraz in best-of-three matches at Grand Slams. I think I have a better chance in best-of-three matches, but in best-of-three matches it is difficult.
“In this regard, I will not give up on the Grand Slam tournaments. I will continue to fight and try to reach the final and fight for at least one more trophy. It will be a very difficult task.”
Pictured: Athletic trainer Clay Snaitman works with Djokovic between sets during his US Open semifinal match against Alcaraz.
Between sets, Djokovic received attention from his athletic trainer Clay Snaitman, while Alcaraz was energetic and clearly ready to serve before the clock was called.
“I've lost three out of four Grand Slams in the semi-finals to these guys [Alcaraz and Sinner], so they're just too good and they're playing at a really high level.
“Unfortunately, after the second set, I ran out of energy. I think I had enough strength to fight him and keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that, I ran out of steam, and Alcaraz continued the fight.”
Alcaraz's victory allowed him to take revenge on Djokovic, who defeated him in the Olympic gold medal match and in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
The Spaniard has reached the US Open final without dropping a set and is expected to face world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner in a third consecutive Grand Slam final – an unprecedented occurrence in the Open Era. The Italian will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the other semi-final on Friday night.
Pictured: Djokovic thanks the crowd at the US Open after his loss to Alcaraz
“You expect the young guys to improve. These two players [Sinner and Alcaraz] are the best in the world right now,” Djokovic added.
“If you're not improving, then something is wrong, so you have to adapt to it and make changes.
“But they seem to have a very good team, a great training strategy and approach to tennis. The results are proof of that. So there is no doubt that they are getting better and better every year.”
Of course, it's frustrating on the court when you can't maintain that level physically, but at the same time, I think it's expected. It comes with time, with age.
“I still enjoy the thrill of competition. Today I had incredible support from the crowd on the court again. I am very grateful for that. I had a lot of fun. It is one of the main reasons why I continue to play. The love I have received from all over the world in the last couple of years has been incredible.”
Annoying
Djokovic is 0-9 in sets in Grand Slam semifinal matches this year.
Can Djokovic win 25 Grand Slam titles?
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Sky Sports tennis team looks at why Djokovic struggled against Alcaraz…
Djokovic is determined to continue his pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title, but that prospect appears to be getting more and more difficult with each passing day.
“Djokovic will continue. We will continue to fight for the No. 25 spot, but it will become more difficult with each Grand Slam,” said Jonathan Overend of Sky Sports Tennis.
“He certainly has fewer and fewer opportunities to go beyond 24.”
Sky Sports' Ryan Harrison said he was unsure whether the Serb would take to the court at the US Open again.
“We have a lot to analyse after Novak left the pitch at the end of the game,” Harrison said.
“He didn't seem confident he would see this court again.”
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Watch Djokovic's stunning line-winning goal against Alcaraz during their semi-final match…
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova expressed sympathy for Djokovic, who appeared to move cautiously around the court in the second half of their semi-final match.
“It's disgusting [getting older as a tennis player],” Navratilova said.
“I've been through it. The effort is the same, the feeling is the same, you play at the right moment and miss it, although 10 years ago you could have done it with your eyes closed.
“It's frustrating.”
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Sourse: skysports.com
