Novak Djokovic, 38, Faces Carlos Alcaraz in U.S. Open Semifinals as He Chases 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic returned to the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday seeking a 25th Grand Slam title and a rebound from a two-year drought at the sport's biggest events. The 38-year-old heads into the match against No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz determined to add another major to a resume that has been the sole focus of his season.

Djokovic has not won a major in two years, and last season marked his first without at least one Grand Slam trophy since 2017. He exited the other three majors this year in the semifinals, two of those runs affected by injury: he quit at the Australian Open because of a torn hamstring and said an injured groin limited him at Wimbledon. He had not competed since leaving the All England Club in July until arriving at Flushing Meadows.

The path to the title in New York presents a notable generational challenge: Alcaraz, 22, represents a younger wave of top players. If Djokovic advances past Alcaraz, he could face No. 1 Jannik Sinner, 23, in the final Sunday, provided Sinner defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime, 25, in his semifinal. Sinner moved into the final four by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic has emphasized that Grand Slam tournaments are the primary measure of success at this stage of his career. That focus has shaped his schedule and comeback efforts after injuries curtailed portions of his season. His return to form at Flushing Meadows marks his first tournament appearance since Wimbledon and offers an opportunity to end a spell without a major that, by his standards, has stretched unusually long.

Alcaraz arrives in the semifinal with his own credentials as one of the game’s top players, and the matchup has drawn attention for the contrast between Djokovic’s veteran consistency and Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism. The U.S. Open semifinal will test Djokovic’s recovery from recent physical setbacks and his capacity to contend with a younger opponent over the best-of-five format.

If Djokovic prevails and goes on to win the title, it would mark a significant milestone in his career and extend his record haul of major championships. If he falls short, the result will underscore the ongoing transition among the men’s game’s elite, with several players in their early 20s vying for tournament supremacy.

Play continued through the weekend as the final rounds of the tournament approached, with Djokovic’s match against Alcaraz and the Sinner–Auger-Aliassime semifinal among the marquee contests determining the U.S. Open finalists.