US Open Showdown: Novak Djokovic Out to Crash the Sinner–Alcaraz Party

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by Raymund Tamayo

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic.
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic. Photo: Getty Images.

The tennis world is buzzing about another dream final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open — but standing in their way is none other than Novak Djokovic, the ultimate party crasher.

Djokovic, now 38 years old and owner of a jaw-dropping 24 Grand Slam titles, finds himself in a rare position: the underdog. On Friday night in New York (Saturday morning Manila time), he faces Alcaraz in what could be a defining semifinal. And while fans and pundits are already penciling in another Sinner–Alcaraz classic, Djokovic made it clear he has no plans of waving the white flag.

“Everybody’s expecting them in the final,” Djokovic said earlier this week. “I’m here to mess up those plans.”

The Numbers Game

  • Sinner is on fire, having won 26 straight Slam matches on hard courts. Already the reigning US Open champ, he’s chasing history as the first man since Federer (2008) to defend the crown in New York. He’s fresh off titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and only Alcaraz stopped him in Paris. Next up: Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who’s enjoying his deepest Slam run since 2021.

  • Alcaraz, meanwhile, is tearing through the draw. The 23-year-old Spaniard hasn’t dropped a set in New York this year, winning 35 of his last 36 matches. But Djokovic has beaten him twice in 2024, including the Australian Open and the Paris Olympics, proving he still knows how to silence the next generation.

  • Djokovic, for his part, has been battling his body all season. He retired in Melbourne and struggled at Wimbledon, but his holistic lifestyle — from yoga to strict nutrition — continues to fuel his remarkable longevity. Despite his aches, the Serbian legend has reached the semis at all four majors this year.

Alcaraz isn’t hiding his motivation either: “I really want revenge. That’s obvious,” he admitted. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5-3.

Jannik Sinner (left) and Carlos Alcaraz during the final of the Cincinnati Open.
Jannik Sinner (left) and Carlos Alcaraz during the final of the Cincinnati Open. Photo: Reuters.

As for Sinner, he’s bracing for a fight. Auger-Aliassime has beaten him twice before, but the Italian crushed him in Cincinnati just weeks ago.

With three generational talents and one fearless underdog all battling for a place in Sunday’s final, the US Open is set for fireworks. Will Djokovic spoil the Sinner–Alcaraz dream match — or are we destined for another young-gun showdown in New York?