In a titanic clash that lived up to its blockbuster billing, Novak Djokovic summoned all his legendary grit and experience to dethrone the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, in a pulsating US Open semi-final.
The 37-year-old Serbian maestro weathered a fierce early storm from the young Spaniard to secure a 6-4, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-3 victory, booking his place in a record-extending 10th final at Flushing Meadows.
A Clash of Generations on Arthur Ashe
The atmosphere inside a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric from the first serve, as the two best players in the world locked horns. Alcaraz, with his explosive power and breathtaking shot-making, started like a whirlwind, breaking the Djokovic serve immediately.
But demonstrating the resilience that has defined his career, Djokovic broke straight back. He then clinched a brutal 20-minute ninth game to break again, sealing the opening set with a roar of defiance.
Tie-Break Mastery and a Spanish Fightback
The second set was a monumental battle of attrition, with neither player giving an inch. It hurtled towards a tie-break, where Djokovic’s big-match temperament shone through. He produced a flawless display to seize a commanding two-set lead, leaving Alcaraz with a mountain to climb.
True to his champion's heart, the 21-year-old dug deep. Finding a new gear, Alcaraz began unleashing his full arsenal of drop shots and thunderous forehands to claim the third set, sending a wave of belief through the New York crowd.
The Veteran Seals the Deal
Just as the momentum seemed to have swung irrevocably, Djokovic reasserted his dominance. A single break of serve in the sixth game of the fourth set was all he needed. With the finish line in sight, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was impeccable, closing out the match on his own serve to end the three-hour and 27-minute marathon.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering final against Russia's Daniil Medvedev, a repeat of the 2021 and 2023 finals. For Djokovic, it is a chance to avenge last year's defeat to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final and claim a historic 25th major title.
