ATP Tour
Alcaraz leads Djokovic in US Open SF
Spaniard has yet to drop a set in New York
September 05, 2025
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Carlos Alcaraz is chasing his sixth major title and second at the US Open.
By Sam Jacot
Carlos Alcaraz has claimed the opening set against Novak Djokovic in their much-anticipated inter-generational clash in the semi-finals at the US Open on Friday afternoon.
Alcaraz is aiming to avenge defeats to Djokovic at this season’s Australian Open and last year’s Paris Olympics in the pair’s ninth Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting and has started brightly on Arthur Ashe Stadium. In a 48-minute first set, the second seed overpowered Djokovic with his depth and aggression, finding the bigger plays to win the opener 6-4.
Alcaraz is chasing his sixth Grand Slam title and a second US Open crown, having triumphed in New York in 2022. He’s currently riding an 11-match winning streak, fresh off his eighth ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati. Should he go on to lift the trophy, Alcaraz will leapfrog Jannik Sinner to reclaim World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time in two years. He would also return to the top spot if Sinner loses to Felix Auger-Aliassime later on Friday or if neither man reaches the final.
With a Tour-leading 59 wins and six titles in 2025, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Alcaraz looks in good standing to better his career-best tally of 65 wins and six trophies from 2023. The Spaniard has reached the final at his past seven events and has already stamped his ticket to the Nitto ATP Finals, held from 9-16 November in Turin.
Djokovic defeated Taylor Fritz to join Sinner as only the second man this year to reach the semi-finals at all four majors. The Serbian, chasing his first Slam final of the season, is trying to win a record-extending 25th major crown and break the recent dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz, who have won the past seven majors between them. Djokovic’s last major title came at Flushing Meadows in 2023, when he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final.
The 38-year-old, who is bidding to become the second-oldest major finalist in the Open Era after Ken Rosewall, holds a 37-15 record in major semi-finals and is a four-time US Open champion.
In front of a packed crowd in New York, Alcaraz flew out of the blocks to break Djokovic’s serve in the opening game. Despite a couple of scorching backhand winners from Djokovic, Alcaraz was in control for the majority of the first set. He forced the Serbian off balance at times with his weight of shot, frequently striking his forehand at more than 80 mph to dictate. Djokovic also struggled for consistency behind his first serve, winning just 65 per cent (13/20) of points on his first delivery.
Did You Know?
Alcaraz is aiming to become just the fifth man in the Open Era to reach seven Grand Slam finals before turning 23, joining an elite group that includes Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Mats Wilander and Jim Courier.