NEW YORK — In a stunning display of power, precision, and youthful exuberance, Carlos Alcaraz has exacted sweet revenge on Novak Djokovic, defeating the 23-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling US Open semifinal on Friday night.
The victory, achieved in front of a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, books the 20-year-old Spaniard’s spot in his second consecutive US Open final, where he will face 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev for a chance to defend his title and reclaim the World No. 1 ranking.
The highly anticipated rematch of their epic Wimbledon final in July—which Alcaraz won in five sets—lived up to every ounce of its billing. While the second set was a surprising lopsided affair, the other three were a masterclass in high-octane, aggressive tennis from both men, with Alcaraz ultimately proving the more clutch player on the biggest points.
A Match of Momentum Swings
From the first ball, the intensity was palpable. Djokovic, seeking a record-extending 24th major title, started strong, breaking Alcaraz early. But the young phenom immediately broke back, showcasing the fearless tennis that has become his trademark. He then secured a crucial second break to claim the opening set, sending a clear message that he would not be intimidated.
The second set, however, belonged entirely to the Serbian legend. Djokovic elevated his game to an almost unplayable level, rifling winners from all corners of the court and suffocating Alcaraz with his depth and precision. He raced through the set 6-1, seemingly seizing control of the match and demonstrating the veteran’s ability to reset and dominate.
But the defining characteristic of Alcaraz’s young career has been his resilience. Unfazed by the Djokovic onslaught, he emerged for the third set with renewed vigor. He broke Djokovic’s serve early and never looked back, weathering a late surge from the 36-year-old to reclaim the momentum and a two-sets-to-one lead.
The Decisive Fourth Set and a Final Push
The fourth set was a tense, nail-biting affair that encapsulated the very best of their rivalry. Both players held serve with relative ease until the critical seventh game. With Djokovic serving at 3-3, Alcaraz unleashed a breathtaking barrage of power, creating two break points. He converted the second with a colossal forehand return, a shot that left the crowd in awe and Djokovic shaking his head.
Serving for the match at 5-4, Alcaraz’s nerves finally showed. He double-faulted to hand a break point back to Djokovic, a player known for his supernatural ability to capitalize on such opportunities. In what will be remembered as the point of the tournament, the two engaged in a grueling 26-shot rally filled with impossible gets, drop shots, and blistering groundstrokes.
Alcaraz finally ended it with a vicious forehand winner, collapsing onto the court in exhaustion and celebration. He would seal the victory on his next match point, a moment of pure catharsis for the young champion.
Keys to Alcaraz's Monumental Victory
Several factors contributed to Alcaraz’s triumphant revenge mission. His performance was a tactical and physical masterpiece built on a few key pillars:
- Relentless Aggression: Alcaraz consistently took the ball early, robbing Djokovic of time and dictating the tempo of the rallies.
- Forehand Dominance: His forehand was a weapon of mass destruction, consistently generating winners from difficult positions.
- Mental Fortitude: To bounce back after being thoroughly outplayed in the second set required immense mental strength, a trait that belies his age.
- The Drop Shot: He effectively used his trademark drop shot to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm and bring him into the net uncomfortably.
Quotes from the Champions
In his on-court interview, an elated Alcaraz reflected on the mental battle, stating, "To be able to beat Novak in a big match like this is something you have to believe in yourself. After losing the second set, it was really difficult to come back. I had to stay strong mentally."
He also paid respect to his legendary opponent, saying, "He's unbelievable. He's never giving up. The points are never over until he gets the last ball. I had to be focused, I had to stay strong in every moment. I'm really proud of myself for that."
A gracious Djokovic acknowledged Alcaraz’s superior play in the crucial moments. "He was a better player in the important moments. He played some amazing shots. I have to congratulate him, he was the deserved winner today. Amazing quality for a 20-year-old."
A Final Showdown with Medvedev
The victory sets up a tantalizing final on Sunday against Daniil Medvedev, who defeated him in straight sets at Wimbledon in 2021. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 2-1, but their matches are always grueling physical and mental battles. Medvedev’s flat, deep groundstrokes and incredible defensive skills present a completely different challenge than Djokovic’s all-court prowess.
With the win, Alcaraz also avenged his loss to Djokovic in the Cincinnati final just a few weeks ago, proving his ability to learn and adapt quickly. A victory on Sunday would not only secure his third Grand Slam title but also see him leapfrog Djokovic to reclaim the top spot in the ATP rankings.
The Torch is Being Passed
While it is far too early to count out Novak Djokovic, this match felt like a significant moment in the sport’s history. For the second time in as many majors, the young Spaniard has stared down the greatest player of this generation on the biggest stage and emerged victorious. His combination of explosive power, tactical intelligence, and infectious joy is captivating the tennis world.
As the final point was won, Alcaraz fell to the court in a mixture of exhaustion and elation, a scene reminiscent of his triumph at Wimbledon. This victory, however, was different. It was a statement. It was revenge. It was the confirmation that Carlos Alcaraz is not just the future of tennis; he is its electrifying present.