Carlos Alcaraz exacted revenge for his Australian Open quarterfinal loss earlier this season by defeating 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-6 6-2 in the US Open semifinals.
A match billed with great hype between two all-time greats from completely different generations delivered popcorn points, tense moments, and brilliant shot-making. In the end, the younger and fresher player got the better of the veteran in straight sets.
How the match unfolded
Alcaraz began the match with supreme confidence, breaking Djokovic’s serve right out of the gates and holding that advantage throughout the first set. His forehand and serve were the key weapons, dictating the tempo with the former while protecting his lead with the latter. The Spaniard won 80% of his first-serve points in the opener, setting the tone for the match.
The second set was far more of a rollercoaster. Alcaraz’s level dipped while Djokovic raised his, securing an early break. Yet despite the crowd and momentum shifting toward the Serb, Djokovic squandered the lead in uncharacteristic fashion. Both players tightened their service games, winning over 70% of points behind their serves, which pushed the set to a tiebreak.
In the tiebreak, Alcaraz surged ahead with an early mini-break to lead 4-1. Djokovic clawed back to on serve, but the Spaniard’s relentless pressure proved too much as he sealed the set 7-4, moving two sets to love ahead.
The third set was less competitive, as Djokovic appeared to sense the task was beyond him. Alcaraz broke early and never looked back. Although the crowd rallied behind Djokovic in the closing stages, perhaps sensing the twilight of one of the game’s great champions, it was Alcaraz who stood tall.
What lies ahead
With the win, Alcaraz advances to his second US Open final, where he will await the winner of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Canadian No. 1 Felix Auger-Aliassime. A potential “SinCaraz” final for the third Slam in a row promises to be a mouthwatering prospect.
As for Djokovic, this may very well be the last time we see him on court this season. Age may finally be catching up to him, but his memories and legacy will remain eternal.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
