Alcaraz seeks revenge as Djokovic chases history

The stage is set for another blockbuster at the US Open as world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz faces 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the men’s semi-final on Friday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The clash between the Spaniard and the Serbian promises high drama, with both players chasing milestones and redemption at Flushing Meadows.

Novak Djokovic currently leads the head-to-head record 5-3 against Alcaraz, with their most recent encounters highlighting the intensity of their rivalry. The two last met in January at the Australian Open quarter-finals, where Djokovic prevailed in four sets, and in the Paris Olympics gold-medal match, another hard-fought encounter that ended in Djokovic’s favour. For Alcaraz, this semi-final is not just about progressing to the final—it is also an opportunity for revenge and a chance to reclaim the ATP world No. 1 ranking for the first time in two years.

Djokovic, at 38, is seeking to halt a run of three consecutive semi-final defeats at majors in 2025 and to strengthen his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Despite his age and workload, the Serbian has displayed remarkable resilience. He reached the semi-finals by defeating last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz in four sets, celebrating the victory with a dance dedicated to his daughter, Tara, on her birthday—a light-hearted moment amidst intense competition.

Alcaraz enters the match as the fresher player, having yet to drop a set in New York and losing his serve only once throughout the tournament. His form has been imperious; the Spaniard is riding an 11-match winning streak following his Cincinnati triumph and has collected six titles in 2025. His serve has been particularly effective, making him the fourth man since 1995 to reach the US Open semi-finals having dropped serve no more than twice, joining the ranks of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz’s aggressive baseline game, combined with his exceptional movement, makes him a formidable opponent for any player.

Djokovic, on the other hand, has faced questions over his fitness. The Serb admitted after his third-round win that he was “the most concerned [he’d] ever been” about his physical condition at a major. Nevertheless, his second-week performances have reinforced his tactical acumen and mental strength. By defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in the fourth round and Taylor Fritz in the quarters, Djokovic has showcased his ability to turn defence into attack, with his forehand crosscourt remaining a weapon capable of causing havoc for Alcaraz.

This match promises to be a tactical and physical battle. Alcaraz relies on his pace, agility and aggressive baseline strokes, while Djokovic’s experience, precision, and ability to exploit opponents’ errors have been hallmarks of his career. Several analysts, including Zain Mustafa and Tope Oke, suggest that Alcaraz’s youth and stamina may give him the edge in a potential five-set thriller, while others, like Manan Mehta, point out Djokovic’s historical success against the Spaniard and his mastery of pressure situations.

A crucial factor will be the first set. Djokovic understands that prolonged rallies can favour the younger Alcaraz, so starting strong will be imperative. Conversely, Alcaraz will aim to maintain his impeccable service record and aggressive baseline play to unsettle the Serbian early on. Both players will need to manage energy levels carefully, as five-set matches at the US Open demand both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Alcaraz is seeking his first hard-court Grand Slam final since 2023 and the chance to return to the top of the ATP rankings. Djokovic, meanwhile, is aiming for his fifth US Open title and another opportunity to add to his historic Slam tally. Given their contrasting strengths—Alcaraz’s explosive movement and form versus Djokovic’s experience and court IQ—the semi-final is widely expected to be a classic encounter.

Experts are divided in their predictions. Some suggest Alcaraz’s freshness and momentum could see him edge Djokovic in five sets, while others highlight Djokovic’s mental toughness and tactical mastery as decisive.