Carlos Alcaraz thrashed Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach another US Open final.
The Spaniard took the first set 6-4 before coming through a tie-breaker to win the second, whilst the third proved a non-contest, with Djokovic’s body completely shot to pieces.
Djokovic was absolutely spent by the end of the contest, and his 22-year-old opponent, recognising as much, simply forced him into submission to reach the final.
Alcaraz was buoyed by being given the early slot for his semifinal and the fitness showed as he grew into the match and Djokovic wilted after losing a tight second set.
John Isner and Sam Querrey made a bold prediction about Djokovic before this match, but his latest performance against Alcaraz leaves far more questions than answers over his future.
Tim Henman shares whether he thinks Novak Djokovic will play the US Open
Very rarely have tennis fans ever seen Djokovic look quite so resigned during a Grand Slam match, but this is the challenge he faces up against the likes of Alcaraz these days.
As the match approached its conclusion, Henman was asked whether or not he thought the fans would get to see Djokovic play at the US Open again in the future.
He said on Sky Sports: “I think he will. If this is the end of the road here. I think he will, perhaps, give it one more year.
“Australia is where he has had his greatest success, one more attempt down there. But maybe he doesn’t even know at this stage.”
Henman also summed up his performance against Alcaraz, continuing: “He gave it everything he could and he recognised the qualities of his opponent, applauding some amazing shots from Alcaraz.”
Djokovic stats vs Alcaraz during US Open semifinal
At 38, it’s quite remarkable that Djokovic has managed to get through to the semifinal of all four majors this year and ultimately, that represents an achievement.
However, as soon as he runs into Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, he comes unstuck and in truth, he’s never really looked like winning any of the semifinals he’s played this year.
| Novak Djokovic stats vs Carlos Alcaraz | Total |
| Aces | 4 |
| Double Faults | 5 |
| First Serve | 60% |
| Break Points | 1/1 |
| Points Won | 81 |
The next few months will give Djokovic lots of time to think and after beating Alcaraz at the Australian Open back in January, he may well decide to give Melbourne one more go at the very least.
It was sad to see Djokovic look so flat and devoid of confidence out on the court and tennis fans all over the world will now hope that they’ve not seen the Serbian for the final time at a Grand Slam.
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