Djokovic applauds Alcaraz after a comprehensive defeat in the 2025 US Open semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz booked his spot in the 2025 US Open final after a commanding victory over Novak Djokovic, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in the semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spanish player defeated the four-time champion in just 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Djokovic applauds Alcaraz

This was Alcaraz’s 11th straight win in New York, extending his run of consecutive set wins to 15. He demonstrated his intent early by breaking Djokovic’s serve in the opening game — a decisive moment that secured him the first set.

Djokovic mounted a strong comeback in the second set, winning 12 of the first 14 points after trailing 0-30 in the initial game and breaking serve — something no other player had achieved against Alcaraz in his previous five matches this year. Nevertheless, Alcaraz quickly regained control, leveling the score at 3-3 and pushing the set to a tiebreak.

In the intense tiebreak, seven of the first eight points were won by the returner, but Alcaraz capitalized on the critical moment to pull ahead and win 7-4, extending his lead to 2-0.

From that moment, the 16-year age difference between the players became increasingly apparent. Djokovic — who had been competing at a high level throughout the tournament — started showing signs of fatigue and required medical attention for his shoulder twice.

Alcaraz maintained his dominance in the third set, breaking serve again in the fourth game to take a 5-2 lead. Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title quickly unraveled as he committed a double fault and missed the final volley.