Carlos Alcaraz Outshines Novak Djokovic, Storms Into US Open Final

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by Raymund Tamayo

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz defeats tennis legend Noval Djokovic to enter the US Open final.
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz defeats tennis legend Noval Djokovic to enter the US Open final. Photo: Getty Images.

The new king of tennis isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Carlos Alcaraz reminded everyone why he’s the future of the sport, taking down the legendary Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2, to punch his ticket to the US Open final.

At 38, Djokovic was chasing an almost mythical milestone—his record 25th Grand Slam. But facing the 22-year-old Spaniard in full flight was always going to be a mountain to climb. Alcaraz, who has been flawless in New York without dropping a single set, controlled the tempo, absorbed the crowd’s pro-Djokovic energy, and flipped it into fuel for his own dominance.

With the win, Alcaraz improves his head-to-head against Djokovic to 5-4, including a 3-2 edge in majors. He now awaits either World No. 1 Jannik Sinner or Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in Sunday’s blockbuster final. A victory would give Alcaraz his second US Open title, sixth Grand Slam crown overall, and possibly the World No. 1 ranking again.

Djokovic, meanwhile, fought hard but showed signs of wear and tear after a season hampered by injuries to his forearm, back, and even a blistered toe earlier in the tournament. While his spirit never wavered, the Serb couldn’t keep pace with Alcaraz’s explosive speed and heavy hitting, especially in the decisive moments.

Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Photo: Getty Images.

The crowd tried to lift Djokovic, chanting his name as he grabbed an early break in the second set and pushed the tiebreak to the edge. But Alcaraz’s fearless play—highlighted by thunderous serves and fearless baseline exchanges—proved too much. The Spaniard slammed the door shut in the third, racing to a 3-1 lead and never looking back.

For Djokovic, it marks his fourth Grand Slam semifinal exit of the year, all at the hands of Alcaraz or Sinner. For Alcaraz, it’s yet another statement: the torch has well and truly been passed.

Djokovic (left) and Alcaraz hug at center court after their US Open semifinal match.
Djokovic (left) and Alcaraz hug at center court after their US Open semifinal match. Photo: Getty Images.

“I’m trying not to think about No. 1 too much,” Alcaraz said earlier in the week. “But of course, it’s there.”

On Sunday, he’ll have the chance to claim it all—the trophy, the top ranking, and another chapter in his rapidly growing legend.