US Open Semifinal Preview: A Recap of the Eight Thrilling Matches Between Djokovic and Alcaraz!

On Friday in New York, Alcaraz and Djokovic will meet for the ninth time in their professional careers, with both players advancing to the US Open semifinals. Djokovic secured the last victory between them at this year’s Australian Open quarterfinals and holds a 5-3 advantage in their rivalry.

Here is a review of their most memorable past encounters:

2022 Madrid Semifinals: Alcaraz won 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5)

This was the most anticipated match of the 2022 season. Alcaraz triumphed after an intense 3-hour and 35-minute battle, highlighting the high quality of the contest and raising expectations for their future meetings. “We both played an incredible match.”

2023 French Open Semifinals: Djokovic won 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1

The first two sets were played at a rapid pace, showcasing excellent shot-making. However, at 1-1, 0-15 in the third set, Alcaraz suffered a cramp and conceded the game during the changeover to receive treatment. “From that moment, the match completely changed.”

2023 Wimbledon Final: Alcaraz won 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4

This match has become a celebration of tennis itself. Under the sunny skies of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, the atmosphere was electric; members of the Spanish and British royal families, young and old, cheered passionately like devoted fans. The world’s two best players pushed each other to their physical and mental limits. “Since that moment (French Open), I have grown a lot.”

2023 Cincinnati Final: Djokovic won 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4)

If any final deserved to be decided by a third-set tiebreak, it was this one. After the match, Djokovic lay on the ground, incredulous at his victory (having saved match points), while Alcaraz stood with his head down, struggling to accept the loss. During the break, Djokovic poured water over his head, and Alcaraz fought back tears. “Today’s match was insane, like a rollercoaster.”

2023 Year-End Championships Semifinals: Djokovic won 6-3 6-2

In the first half-hour, both players held serve through seven games, evenly matched, but then Djokovic surged, winning five of the next six games. The key stat: Djokovic saved all four break points he faced. “Without a doubt, this was the best match I played in this tournament.”

2024 Wimbledon Final: Alcaraz won 6-2 6-2 7-6(4)

Alcaraz unleashed all the energy of his 21 years in this match. His serve topped 130 mph, his forehand was overwhelmingly powerful—even Djokovic struggled to respond—and his passing shots were precisely placed. Alcaraz maintained full intensity from start to finish without letting up. “I was completely on the back foot out there, just like that.”

2024 Paris Olympics Final: Djokovic won 7-6(3) 7-6(2)

Both knew the gold medal match held immense significance for their careers. With a best-of-three sets format, they understood the importance of the first set—it played like a fifth set and ultimately proved decisive. With this win, the Serbian ended debates about the “greatest male player of all time.” “This might be the greatest achievement of my career.”

2025 Australian Open Quarterfinals: Djokovic won 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4

Djokovic displayed the same sharpness, fighting spirit, and confidence as in the Paris Olympics. He showed the tennis world that he’s fully committed to winning his 25th Grand Slam and the 2025 season. Throughout the match, he taught his opponent and potential successor a “greatest of all time” level lesson—how to seize opportunities and never let go. “I could tell Carlos hesitated a bit at the baseline.”(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)