Djokovic on Alcaraz & Sinner: Future of Tennis
US Open – novak Djokovic Reflects on Semi-Final Loss to Carlos Alcaraz
September 05, 2025
[Image of Novak Djokovic congratulating Carlos Alcaraz – Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]
(Novak Djokovic congratulates Carlos Alcaraz following their US Open semi-final on Friday afternoon in New York.)
By ATP Staff
Novak Djokovic acknowledged that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are currently playing at a level above his own after a straight-sets loss in the US Open semi-finals on Friday. He has now lost three of his last four Grand Slam semi-final matches against these two players.
“I lost three out of four Slams in semis against these guys, so they’re just too good, playing on a really high level,” Djokovic stated. “Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set. I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets.After that I was gassed out, and he kept going.”
He further noted the difficulty of best-of-five set matches against these opponents, particularly in the later stages of Grand Slams, echoing similar feelings he had after his loss to Sinner.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four majors in 2025, a feat matched only by Sinner. Though, he was forced to retire against Alexander Zverev at the Australian open after just one set, and subsequently lost to Sinner at Roland garros and Wimbledon before his defeat to Alcaraz.
The 38-year-old believes his recovery between matches is becoming more challenging as his career progresses,despite receiving treatment from ATP physio Clay Sniteman during the tournament.
“I’m happy with my level of tennis, but it’s just the physicality of it.As I saeid after the quarter-finals… I said I’m going to do my very best to get my body in shape to sustain that level and that rhythm for as many hours as it’s needed,” Djokovic explained.”But it wasn’t enough. That’s something I, unfortunately at this point in time in my career, can’t con…”
Related: Alcaraz gains Djokovic revenge, returns to US Open final
Key Players Mentioned:
Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner
Alexander Zverev
Tournaments Mentioned:
US Open
Australian Open
Roland Garros
Wimbledon