Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of clinching Grand Slam title number 25 at the US Open came to an end following a straight-sets defeat to second seed Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serb made it competitive in the second set, forcing a tiebreak, but ultimately ran out of gas, and Alcaraz advanced to the final, where he will take on defending champion Jannik Sinner.
At 38 years of age, Djokovic has managed to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slams this year, but has been denied each time by one of the ‘new two’.
While he has made it clear he does not plan on throwing in the towel just yet, it does seem as though his chances of capturing a record-breaking 25th major title are diminishing with every passing tournament.
Seven-time major champion reacts to Novak Djokovic’s US Open loss
As Sinner and Alcaraz continue to improve, the incredibly tough challenge of besting either of them in a best-of-five sets match becomes even more difficult.
So much so that former world number one Mats Wilander thinks Djokovic has no chance of adding to his major tally.
In an interview with ‘Clay‘, Wilander said of the legend: “He’s clearly not 100% physically. Without that, at 38, I don’t give him a chance to win another Grand Slam.
“He has to be at his very maximum and even then you’d see him perform better. Against these guys he even needs another 5% from somewhere, something extra beyond what he has now.
“Today, he is the third-best player in the world, and he’s doing what he can. I love what he does, but right now it’s probably not good enough. Alcaraz and Sinner are just too good for him.
“Alcaraz wins the important points. To me, it seems he lifts his level here and there, right in the key moments.
“It’s just a matter of points, because it’s not like Djokovic’s level is much lower. It’s the same level overall.”
Novak Djokovic’s next best chance of winning another major title
When asked where his best chance of winning another Grand Slam title is, Wilander responded: “In Australia and Wimbledon.
“Probably more in Australia, because the courts there are perfect for him.”
“But I don’t know if he has chances to win. He’s reached a point where it no longer matters. He has won so much. For me, the truly great thing is that he keeps playing.”
Djokovic’s Grand Season is over, but he announced in his post-match press conference that he plans to play the new ATP 250 event in Athens come November.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
