NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic confirmed to reporters shortly after a 6-4, 7-6 (4) defeat to Carlos Alkaraz within the US Open semi-finals.
Djokovic, who has been looking for a record-breaking twenty fifth Grand Slam title because the begin of the 2024 season, has fallen to Thinner and Alkaraz, presently the highest two gamers on the earth, in three majors this season. Djokovic, 38, defeated Alkaraz within the quarterfinals on the Australian Open, the place he takes the yr, however was compelled to retire after the primary set of the semi-final match in opposition to Alexander Zverev resulting from a foot damage. Since then, Djokovic has misplaced in a straight set to the sinner within the semi-finals at Arthur Ash Stadium on Friday on the French Open, Wimbledon and Alcaraz.
“I can solely do every part I can,” the disillusioned Djokovic mentioned at a press convention. “Yeah, it will likely be very tough for me sooner or later to beat the hurdles of Alkaraz, the sinner within the prime 5 within the Grand Slam.
Since Djokovic gained his final slam title, Alkaraz, 24 and 22, have gained seven main titles on the 2023 US Open. The duo appeared to look on a collision course to face off within the US Open Finals all through the event, permitting them to satisfy with the Line Trophy for his or her third consecutive slam. Thinner will play Felix Auger Aliasim in his second semi-final conflict on Friday night time.
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals in all 4 majors this season, however has not reached the ultimate for the primary time in his profession since 2017. The Serbian celebrity mentioned he was nonetheless “comfortable” on the tennis degree – he was properly cruising within the semi-finals in New York, however acknowledged the hole between his health and sturdiness in comparison with his youthful Rival.
“They’re method too good, , they’re taking part in at a extremely excessive degree,” Djokovic mentioned. “Sadly, I ran out of fuel after two units (in opposition to Alkaraz on Friday). I believe I had sufficient vitality to struggle him and sustain together with his rhythm for the 2 units.
“That is what I felt at Jannik once more this yr. Yeah, the highest 5 makes it very tough for me to play them.
Djokovic hinted on the finish of his legendary profession, saying that his defeat to the sinner within the French Open semi-finals may have been “the final match I performed right here,” however since then he has indicated he plans to play on the tour subsequent season. At Wimbledon, he mentioned he plans to come back again “a minimum of another time” to play after one other semi-final loss.
On Friday, Djokovic mirrored that sentiment and mentioned he needed to play “subsequent yr’s full grand slam season.” He selected to prioritize majors this yr and skip most of the different tournaments all through the season, however he mentioned he’ll rethink that technique in 2026.
“I believe we’ll have just a little extra likelihood on the three-week event, and the Masters event, which is sort of two weeks in fairly a number of days between video games,” he mentioned. “So , that may assist me extra in a matchup in opposition to them.”
Ranked seventh, Djokovic is predicted to be fourth in subsequent week’s rankings. He sits third behind Sinner and Alkaraz within the race to the year-end tour finals, however Djokovic mentioned he isn’t positive in regards to the schedule for the remainder of the season. He plans to play a 250-level event in Athens, beforehand held in Belgrade in early November, however in any other case has not dedicated to a different ATP occasion. (Djokovic’s brother, Jorge, was the occasion’s event director when it was held in Belgrade since 2021 and was thought of to be nonetheless concerned.)
Djokovic mentioned he’ll focus on together with his group in regards to the subsequent steps from 2025 onwards. He nonetheless enjoys taking part in and added that he appreciates the continued assist of his followers. Followers have been firmly behind for many of the match in opposition to Alcaraz for many of Friday’s video games.
“I nonetheless benefit from the thrill of competitors,” Djokovic mentioned. “At present, I acquired wonderful assist from the gang as soon as once more in court docket, and I’m very grateful for that. I completely loved it. Yeah, that is one of many greatest causes I am persevering with to take action.
