NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic confirmed to reporters shortly after a 6-4, 7-6 (4) defeat to Carlos Alkaraz in the US Open semi-finals.
Djokovic, who has been searching for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title since the start of the 2024 season, has fallen to Thinner and Alkaraz, currently the top two players in the world, in three majors this season. Djokovic, 38, defeated Alkaraz in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, where he is taking the year, but was forced to retire after the first set of the semi-final match against Alexander Zverev due to a foot injury. Since then, Djokovic has lost in a straight set to the sinner in the semi-finals at Arthur Ash Stadium on Friday at the French Open, Wimbledon and Alcaraz.
“I can only do everything I can,” the disappointed Djokovic said at a press conference. “Yeah, it will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdles of Alkaraz, the sinner in the top five in the Grand Slam.
Since Djokovic won his last slam title, Alkaraz, 24 and 22, have won seven major titles at the 2023 US Open. The duo appeared to appear on a collision course to face off in the US Open Finals throughout the tournament, allowing them to meet with the Line Trophy for their third consecutive slam. Thinner will play Felix Auger Aliasim in his second semi-final clash on Friday night.
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals in all four majors this season, but has not reached the final for the first time in his career since 2017. The Serbian superstar said he was still “happy” on the tennis level – he was well cruising in the semi-finals in New York, but recognized the gap between his fitness and durability compared to his younger Rival.
“They’re way too good, you know, they’re playing at a really high level,” Djokovic said. “Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after two sets (against Alkaraz on Friday). I think I had enough energy to fight him and keep up with his rhythm for the two sets.
“That’s what I felt at Jannik again this year. Yeah, the top five makes it very difficult for me to play them.
Djokovic hinted at the end of his legendary career, saying that his defeat to the sinner in the French Open semi-finals could have been “the last match I played here,” but since then he has indicated he plans to play on the tour next season. At Wimbledon, he said he plans to come back “at least one more time” to play after another semi-final loss.
On Friday, Djokovic reflected that sentiment and said he wanted to play “next year’s full grand slam season.” He chose to prioritize majors this year and skip many of the other tournaments throughout the season, but he said he will rethink that strategy in 2026.
“I think we’ll have a little more chance at the three-week tournament, and the Masters tournament, which is nearly two weeks in quite a few days between games,” he said. “So you know, that might help me more in a matchup against them.”
Ranked 7th, Djokovic is expected to be fourth in next week’s rankings. He sits third behind Sinner and Alkaraz in the race to the year-end tour finals, but Djokovic said he is not sure about the schedule for the rest of the season. He plans to play a 250-level tournament in Athens, previously held in Belgrade in early November, but otherwise has not committed to another ATP event. (Djokovic’s brother, Jorge, was the event’s tournament director when it was held in Belgrade since 2021 and was considered to be still involved.)
Djokovic said he will discuss with his team about the next steps from 2025 onwards. He still enjoys playing and added that he appreciates the continued support of his fans. Fans were firmly behind for most of the match against Alcaraz for most of Friday’s games.
“I still enjoy the thrill of competition,” Djokovic said. “Today, I received amazing support from the crowd once again in court, and I am very grateful for that. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yeah, that’s one of the biggest reasons I’m continuing to do so.
