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Novak Djokovic Retires? Fans Question His Future After Crushing US Open 2025 Exit News24 –

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By Correspondent


There was a moment – late in the second set when it looked like Novak Djokovic might flip the script. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium could feel it, leaning in, waiting for the man who has pulled off the improbable so many times to do it once again.

But this time, Carlos Alcaraz wouldn’t budge.

The 22-year-old Spaniard held his ground, held his nerve, and held Djokovic at bay – defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 in the semifinals of the 2025 US Open on Saturday night.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement – one that echoed through a tournament, through a sport, and maybe through an era.

A Familiar Fight, a Different Ending

Djokovic didn’t play poorly. In fact, he looked sharp to start reading the ball well, moving with purpose, and staying in step with Alcaraz in long, bruising rallies.

But as the match wore on, so did Djokovic’s legs.

“I had enough energy to keep up for two sets,” he admitted afterward. “After that, I was gassed out.”

It wasn’t a physical collapse so much as a slow unraveling. The second-set tiebreak was tight – Djokovic clawing for space, Alcaraz slamming the door shut. And once that set was gone, so was the momentum. The third set belonged entirely to the young Spaniard, who played like a man who has learned how to win on tennis’s biggest stages and how to stay calm while doing it.

Another Slam, Another Brick Wall

This latest loss adds to a pattern Djokovic can’t ignore: three of the four Grand Slams in 2025 have now ended with losses to either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. The young guns are no longer knocking on the door – they’ve kicked it open and settled in.

And yet, Djokovic isn’t ready to step aside.

“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams,” he said, his voice steady. “I’ll keep fighting. But yes, it’s going to be a very difficult task.”

He spoke with honesty – no false bravado, no denial. Just a legend trying to come to terms with time, with change, and with two opponents who seem tailor-made to stop him.

The Fans Feel It Too

Online, the reaction was swift and divided.

Some fans – the more impatient ones questioned whether this was the time for Djokovic to call it a career. Others pointed to the exhaustion in his third set and wondered if Slam No. 25 might just remain out of reach.

“He should’ve walked away after the Olympics,” one user wrote.
“Still the GOAT, but it’s time,” said another.

But for every harsh post, there were just as many fans holding on to hope believing that if anyone can summon one last miracle, it’s the man who’s built a career on defying the odds.

A Changing of the Guard – and It’s Real

Carlos Alcaraz now moves on to face Jannik Sinner in the final – their third straight Grand Slam final in 2025. That’s never happened before in men’s tennis, and it says everything about where the sport is headed.

It’s no longer a question of “next generation.” This is the generation. And they’re not just competing with Djokovic – they’re beating him, consistently, at his own game.

For Djokovic, the dream of Slam No. 25 is still alive – just delayed. Maybe postponed indefinitely. Maybe not. That’s what makes this moment so complicated. He’s still good enough, just not untouchable anymore.

And that’s the hardest part.

Not Done Yet

Whether we see him back in Australia in January, or pacing the baseline at Roland Garros next spring, one thing is certain: Djokovic isn’t ready to bow out quietly.

“I’ll continue fighting and trying to get to the finals. That’s what I can promise,” he said.

And for now, that’s more than enough.




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