Novak Djokovic has never been one to follow the script. As the US Open unfolds, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation for a final showdown between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz—two young stars who have dominated the season and captured the imagination of fans. But Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has other plans.
“We know they’re the 2 best players in the world. Everybody’s probably expecting the final between them,” he said. “I’m going to try to mess up the plans of most of the people.”
The Veteran’s Fire Still Burns
At 38, Djokovic is not just chasing another title—he’s chasing relevance in a sport that’s rapidly shifting toward a new generation. Despite falling short in previous Grand Slam semi-finals this year, he’s reached the last four in New York once again, proving that his hunger hasn’t faded. His win over Taylor Fritz was gritty and emotional, marked by crowd tension and clutch play under pressure.
This isn’t just about winning. It’s about disrupting the narrative that tennis has moved on without him.
The Sinner-Alcaraz Rivalry Looms
Sinner and Alcaraz have built a rivalry that feels destined for greatness. They’ve met in two Grand Slam finals already this year, splitting victories at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Their consistency and flair have made them the presumed finalists at Flushing Meadows, with fans and pundits alike expecting another classic.
But Djokovic’s presence in the semi-finals is a reminder that tennis history is rarely so tidy.
A Clash of Eras
If Djokovic faces Alcaraz in the semis, it will be a collision of eras—experience versus youth, legacy versus momentum. Djokovic leads their head-to-head, but Alcaraz has shown he can rise to the occasion. The match promises intensity, drama, and perhaps a shift in the balance of power.
Djokovic knows the odds and the expectations. But he’s never needed permission to rewrite the ending.
The Disruptor’s Mission
Whether or not he reaches the final, Djokovic’s message is clear: he’s not here to applaud from the sidelines. He’s here to compete, to challenge, and to remind everyone that the old guard still has teeth.
In a tournament poised to crown the future, Djokovic is determined to make the present unforgettable.
Sinner at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently the world no.1, Jannik owns a 35-4 match record in 2025. The Italian is playing at the U.S. Open where he toppled the world no.89 Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-1 6-2, the world no.36 Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-2 6-2, the world no.29 Denis Shapovalov 5-7 6-4 6-3 6-3 and the world no.24 Alexander Bublik 6-1 6-1 6-1.
Jannik Sinner will play the world no.10 Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter on Wednesday at 9:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their current head to head is 2-0 for Sinner.
Jannik conquered 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Jannik was the finalist in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia), at the French Open and in Cincinnati (Cincinnati Open).
Jannik won 21 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.2, Alcaraz achieved a composed 59-6 match record in 2025. Carlos is playing at the U.S. Open where he conquered the world no.67 Reilly Opelka 6-4 7-5 6-4, the world no.65 Mattia Bellucci 6-1 6-0 6-3, the world no.34 Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-4 6-0, the world no.82 Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(3) 6-3 6-4 and the world no.21 Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-2 6-4.
Carlos Alcaraz will face the world no.7 Novak Djokovic in the semifinal. Their actual head to head record is 5-3 for Djokovic.
Alcaraz has won 6 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London and Cincinnati. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell) and in Wimbledon.
Alcaraz won 23 titles in his career: 6 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz fought against each other 15 times. Their actual record is 10-5 for Alcaraz.