Can Novak Djokovic Stop The ‘Carlos Alcaraz Storm’ Again? News24 –
Novak Djokovic is exactly where he hoped he’d be in the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams this year. But as he prepares for his toughest test yet at the 2025 US Open, there’s a tinge of bittersweetness. He’s had to miss his daughter’s birthday, and now he faces the hardest hurdle of all – Carlos Alcaraz.
The 38-year-old legend may have battled his way into the final four, but this isn’t the Djokovic of five years ago. He admits it himself:
“It’s not going to get easier, I tell you that.”
Especially not when you’re up against Carlos Alcaraz, 22, red-hot and roaring through the draw without dropping a single set.
History, Rivalry, and Redemption
Djokovic leads the head-to-head 5–3 against Alcaraz, and importantly, he’s never lost to the Spaniard on hard courts. Their most recent meetings at the 2024 Paris Olympics final and 2025 Australian Open quarter-final went Djokovic’s way.
Melbourne in particular could serve as a blueprint for the Serb. He came from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, displaying a mix of grit, tactical adaptability, and sheer experience.
But this Alcaraz is different. He’s flying through the US Open draw, barely breaking a sweat, and coming off a confident 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka in the quarters. It’s the first time in his career he’s reached a Slam semi-final without losing a set.
Djokovic’s Keys to the Match
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about just surviving anymore – Djokovic will need to be strategically perfect if he’s to stop the Alcaraz freight train.
1. First Serve Efficiency
Against Taylor Fritz in the quarters, Djokovic’s first serve was patchy – not ideal against a returner like Alcaraz. In their Aussie Open clash, Djokovic’s serving improved as the match went on. He saved a crucial break point in the fourth set with a booming first serve. He’ll need more of that from the very first point in New York.
2. Attack Alcaraz’s Second Serve
This was the turning point in Melbourne. Djokovic limited Alcaraz to just 33% points won on second serve – a shockingly low number for someone as explosive as the Spaniard.
But Alcaraz has clearly worked on this weakness. In New York, he’s winning 68% of his second serve points – the best in the tournament. Still, Djokovic ranks first in return points won on first serve, and third on second serve returns. That sets up a mouthwatering tactical battle.
3. Approach the Net More
In Melbourne, Djokovic changed gears midway through – increasing his net approaches from 8 in the first set to 13 in the second. He’s not the drop-shot artist Alcaraz is, but if he can build the point right and come in at the right times, he can apply pressure the youngster isn’t used to dealing with on hard courts.
4. Disrupt the Rhythm
Alcaraz thrives in rhythm. Djokovic thrives on breaking it. Whether it’s a well-timed slice, a surprise serve-and-volley, or even a deliberate change in tempo during points – Djokovic must unsettle the Spaniard.
In Melbourne, there was even a moment where Djokovic looped a defensive forehand volley from behind the baseline. Alcaraz, already mid-approach, had to backpedal and lost the point. It’s small moments like these that can swing momentum.
The Elephant in the Room: Djokovic’s Body
The Serb has looked physically vulnerable this Slam season. He retired against Zverev in Australia, was outlasted by Sinner at Roland Garros, and again fell to the Italian at Wimbledon.
Now, after a four-set grind against Fritz and a few medical timeouts in New York, he knows his recovery will be crucial.
“The next couple of days is really key for me to get my body in shape and ready to battle five sets, if needed,” he said after the quarters.
At 38, this is the part of the season and the part of the tournament – where his tank often runs close to empty.
Alcaraz’s Revenge Mission
The 22-year-old is not hiding his motivation. “I know him. I played a lot of times against him. I really want revenge,” Alcaraz said after his quarter-final.
He’s hungry. He’s fresh. And he’s playing the best tennis of his Slam career. The Spaniard now has the serve to match his shot-making, and his confidence is sky-high.
Last Thoughts
Djokovic has the experience. Alcaraz has the energy. Djokovic has the mental edge on hard court. Alcaraz has the form.
In short, this one’s going to be a blockbuster.
It’s a clash between legacy and the future, between a legend looking to squeeze out one more Slam final, and a young champion ready to take the torch once and for all.
On Friday night in New York (Saturday morning IST), tennis fans across the world will be watching one question unfold:
Can Djokovic hold off the next generation for just a little longer? Or is Alcaraz finally ready to dethrone him under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium?