NEW YORK (AP) — At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic is gearing up to challenge a younger competitor as he advances to the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday. For the Serbian star, it’s hard to believe it’s been two long years since his last Grand Slam triumph.
Last year marked the first time since 2017 that he finished a season without a major title. Djokovic has made it clear: at this stage of his illustrious career, securing victories in the sport’s four premier tournaments is what truly drives him.
Earlier this year, he faced setbacks in the semifinals of the other three major events, with injuries forcing his withdrawal from the Australian Open and hampering his performance at Wimbledon. After leaving the All England Club in July, he has had no competition until now, making his return to Flushing Meadows all the more significant.
Up next for Djokovic is a showdown against No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is just 22 years old. Should he emerge victorious, he may find himself face-to-face with No. 1 Jannik Sinner, 23, in Sunday’s final, pending Sinner’s success against Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals.
Having reached his 53rd major semifinal and 14th at the U.S. Open by dispatching No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in a gripping four-set match, Djokovic took a moment to reflect, absentmindedly stroking his beard.
“It’s not going to become any easier, that’s for sure,” he remarked with a knowing smile. “I plan to take it one day at a time, focus on my body, and ensure I’m ready for whatever lies ahead. These next few days are crucial for preparing my body for a potential battle of five sets. I truly desire it.”
Djokovic has participated in 37 Slam finals and claimed victory in 24—but none at the age of 38.
With an impressive resume that includes 24 major championships, 37 appearances in major finals, and the record for most weeks as the world No. 1, Djokovic has nearly every notable accolade in men’s tennis.
However, navigating this phase of his career is a new challenge.
“I prefer to play major matches on grand stages, but I’m uncertain about how my body will cope in the coming days. My team and I will do our utmost to ensure I’m fit for the task ahead,” Djokovic stated. “There will undoubtedly be a lot of running; these matches won’t be short.”
Against Alcaraz, he holds a 5-3 advantage in their head-to-head matchups.
Alcaraz, a formidable opponent already boasting five Slam titles, has teamed with Sinner to secure the last seven out of nine major tournaments.
Let’s not forget, the other three during that cycle were clinched by Djokovic, the most recent being at the 2023 U.S. Open.
“I have another opportunity, another shot. I just hope I’m healthy and capable of keeping up with Carlos,” Djokovic expressed. “From there, it can go either way.”
Djokovic has bested Alcaraz in their last two encounters—first in the Australian Open quarterfinals this January and then clinching gold in the final at the Paris Olympics last year.
“I really want some payback,” Alcaraz declared. “That’s evident.”
Alcaraz has dominated the court recently, reaching the finals in his past seven tournaments and securing five titles.
His record has been nothing short of sensational this year, leading the tour with six titles and a stellar 59-6 win-loss ratio, including a remarkable stretch of 43-2 since April, winning prestigious tournaments like Monte-Carlo, Rome, Roland-Garros, Queen’s Club, and Cincinnati.
Djokovic is well aware of the recent feats of both Alcaraz and Sinner.
“There’s no need to elaborate on their capabilities. They are the top two players in the world,” Djokovic acknowledged, reflecting on his losses to Sinner at both the French Open and Wimbledon. “Most people are likely anticipating a U.S. Open final featuring the two of them. I’m here to disrupt those expectations.”
He added firmly: “I certainly won’t be waving a white flag when I step onto that court.”
