Tim Henman predicts who’s going to win when Carlos Alcaraz faces Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinal

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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are set to go head-to-head in a blockbuster semifinal at the US Open.

Alcaraz comfortably beat Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, while Djokovic continued his dominant record over Taylor Fritz to set up the mouth-watering semifinal contest.

After beating Fritz, Djokovic even received a message from Monica Seles, with there currently speculation about her potentially coaching him.

While Alcaraz’s coach has given him advice for his match against Djokovic, former US Open semifinalist Tim Henman has now predicted who he thinks is going to win the upcoming match.

Tim Henman backs Carlos Alcaraz ‘as the clear favourite’ to beat Novak Djokovic

This will be the ninth meeting between Alcaraz and Djokovic, and it is actually the more experienced of the two players who leads the head-to-head 8-5.

Despite having the bragging rights in the head-to-head, Henman suggested to Sky Sports that he thinks Djokovic’s age could make it a tough task to beat Alcaraz.

Henman was full of praise for how Alcaraz has played at the US Open this year, and believes he is the ‘clear favourite’ in his semifinal with 38-year-old Djokovic.

“Yeah, I give Alcaraz the edge in that one,” said Henman. “The way that he has been playing, all the different shots that he has been coming up with, but also the physicality. His movement has just been absolutely incredible, you know what has he got 16 years on Djokovic, so that is to his advantage.

“But, Djokovic the way that he has played in the Slams, you know this is his fourth semifinal this year. He’s been giving himself the opportunity, he has the experience, he’s won here numerous times, he’s looking for that 25th Slam. So, you wouldn’t put it past him, but Alcaraz for me starts as the clear favourite.”

How much time have Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic spent on court at the US Open?

While age is a relevant factor in favouring Alcaraz over Djokovic, their time spent on court at the US Open this year is certainly another.

Djokovic provided a concerning update on his fitness after he had just spent three hours and 24 minutes on court in his quarterfinal against Fritz.

This was Djokovic’s longest match of the US Open so far, but he has spent significantly more time on court than Alcaraz throughout the New York major.

After playing five matches at the US Open this year, Djokovic has spent three hours and 26 minutes longer on court than Alcaraz, who is yet to drop a set.

Djokovic will be hoping that does not come back to bite him when he plays Alcaraz in the US Open semifinal on Friday, September 5.