Novak Djokovic is into yet another Grand Slam semi-final, and in doing so has set up the clash that everybody wanted with Carlos Alcaraz.
It will mark just the ninth iteration of their remarkable rivalry, which already boasts some legendary clashes.
However, Friday afternoon promises to be one of the most crucial, pitting the rampant form of the Spaniard against the steady, ageless quality of the 38-year-old superstar.
Naturally, both have enjoyed strong runs to reach this stage of the US Open, but Carlos Alcaraz’s has undeniably been more impressive.
Novak Djokovic would emphasise as much when asked for his thoughts on facing him for a spot in the final.
Novak Djokovic rates Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open run so far
Chatting courtside in an interview published on the US Open’s X account, he spoke in Spanish as he previewed his clash with his great Spanish rival.
Djokovic admitted: “Having gone all this way without dropping a set, it’s impressive, but Carlos has been impressive for the last 3 years in all tournaments.
“He’s a spectacle for us. The last time I played against him was in Australia, but the conditions are different here.
“I hope I can feel my best, playing with the ball, because it’s necessary to beat someone like Alcaraz.”
This only adds to the adulation aimed at the youngster, with Alcaraz having reacted to Jiri Lehecka’s praise after their quarter-final match yesterday.
Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record vs Carlos Alcaraz
As noted earlier, Friday will be the ninth time they have met on court.
Djokovic does lead their head-to-head narrowly, having won five of their eight clashes so far.
However, he only established that separation in the last 12 months, having beaten Alcaraz in the Olympics final last summer, before knocking him out of the Australian Open earlier this year.
Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images
Before that, Alcaraz had enjoyed far more success over him, beating him in back-to-back Wimbledon finals.
Whilst Jannik Sinner has proved almost impossible for Djokovic to compete with, his generational rival feels far more beatable.
If he is to win his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title here at the US Open, it seems like he’ll have to go through both of them, starting with the in-form Alcaraz on Friday.