Alcaraz to Face Sinner in US Open Final After Djokovic Win
In an eagerly awaited match that filled Arthur Ashe Stadium, second seed Carlos Alcaraz defeated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 with clinical accuracy to go to the US Open final.
With a score that belied its intensity, Friday’s event—dubbed the hottest ticket in New York—lived up to the hype, with 2022 winner Alcaraz receiving thunderous applause at the end of the contest.
The 38-year-old showed signs of wear and tear against the 16-year-old Spaniard, even though Djokovic had won their last two meetings, including in the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this year.
Alcaraz, who took second place at Wimbledon and won his fifth major title at Roland Garros this year, stated, “I’m working on it, just staying consistent on the matches, on tournaments, and on the year in general.”
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Djokovic Struggles to Keep Pace as Alcaraz Elevates Game
Just trying to avoid ups and downs during the game. Just the level at which I begin the battle, and I intended to maintain that level throughout.
Djokovic failed to create a single break point opportunity in the first set, which Alcaraz ended with an unreturnable serve, and he dropped his serve when he hit a ball past the baseline in the opening game.
Encouraged by the star-studded spectators, the seventh seed entered the fray in the second set, converting on a break point with an incredible backhand.
Alcaraz, however, had not lost a set in New York yet and was not going to start as he pushed hard, converting from the baseline and surviving a 16-shot rally with one of his excellent forehand wins to set up a break point.
A Respectful Ending and Reflection on Greatness
Two decades after making his main draw debut at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic, trailing 0-2 in the tiebreak, outlasted his opponent in a playful exchange at the net and stopped to listen to the cheers of the audience.
Before Djokovic gave him a break point in a double fault in the fourth match of the third set, the Spaniard maintained composure and ended the tiebreak with two more unreturnable serves.
After hitting twice as many winners as his opponent, Alcaraz admitted that it was difficult to play against him.
“I’m reflecting on the mythology and his professional accomplishments. It’s hard to avoid thinking about it. That makes dealing with him much more difficult.
Sinner Overcomes Auger-Aliassime to Set Up Final Showdown
After giving up the match with a wide forehand, Djokovic leaned over the net to greet his opponent with a smile, knowing that the writing was on the wall as he hit an additional double fault on the final point of the match.
Naturally, being unable to keep up with that level physically is frustrating on the court. “Still, it’s something that comes with age and is to be expected,” said Djokovic, who claimed the last of his four US Open titles in 2023.
“It happens with age and time.”
Sinner triumphs in the fierce Auger-Aliassime match.
In the second semifinal, defending champion Jannik Sinner defeated 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to set up another thrilling title matchup with Alcaraz and reignite one of the most captivating rivalries in the sport.
All Eyes on Alcaraz vs. Sinner Grand Slam Final
The often machine-like Sinner made a few mistakes but eventually won to guarantee a third consecutive major final with the Spaniard shortly after Alcaraz used his magic to destroy Djokovic.
After a brief period of resistance in the fifth game of the match, the Italian world No. 1 upped the ante to hold and end the lopsided first set when Auger-Aliassime missed a backhand.
In his second semifinal appearance in New York, Auger-Aliassime regained his composure and broke serve to take a 5-3 lead in the second set, leveling the match. In the third set, he faced Sinner head-to-head, but the momentum changed once more.
With some clutch serving in the next set, Sinner, who had previously taken a medical timeout for an undisclosed reason, advanced after finding his rhythm to end the third set and fending off a fierce charge from his revitalized Canadian opponent.
On Sunday, Sinner will face Alcaraz in a Grand Slam final for the third consecutive time. He lost to Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match in the French Open final, but he won the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this season.
“Sunday is a very special day and promises to be another incredible final,” Sinner said. “I believe we played a fantastic match here in 2022, which really marked the beginning of our rivalry.” Now, we play differently and have different levels of confidence.”
