New York: Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 on Friday, advancing to the US Open final where he will face defending champion Jannik Sinner in another blockbuster showdown.
The highly anticipated semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium drew a packed house and lived up to its billing. Alcaraz, the 2022 champion, started with intensity, breaking Djokovic in the opening game and sealing the first set without facing a single break point.
Djokovic briefly fought back in the second set, converting an early break with a superb backhand, but the Spaniard refused to yield. Alcaraz rallied with trademark forehands and nerves of steel in the tiebreak, before capitalising on the Serb’s errors in the third set to seal victory.
Djokovic, chasing his fifth US Open crown, struggled physically against the 21-year-old and committed costly double faults down the stretch. “It’s frustrating when you are not able to keep up with that level physically. But it comes with time and with age,” said the 38-year-old, who last won in New York in 2023.
CARLOS ALCARAZ VS. JANNIK SINNER 🎾
For the THIRD straight time at a major men’s singles final this year 😱 pic.twitter.com/DM5Zee95Ok
— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2025
For Alcaraz, who already owns five major titles, the win was another step in cementing his place among the game’s elite. “It’s not easy playing against him. I’m thinking about the legend, what he has achieved in his career. That makes facing him even tougher,” he said.
In the day’s second semifinal, world number one Jannik Sinner defeated Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Sinner dominated the opener, wavered in the second, but found his rhythm again to close out the contest with clutch serving.
“Sunday is a very special day and an amazing final again. I feel like our rivalry started here in 2022. We are two different players now, with different confidence too,” said Sinner.
Sunday’s final will be the third consecutive Grand Slam title match between Alcaraz and Sinner. Sinner won the Australian Open and Wimbledon finals earlier this year, while Alcaraz edged him in a five-set classic at Roland Garros. Their latest chapter in New York promises another thrilling battle in one of tennis’s fastest-growing rivalries.
