Djokovic Concedes Struggles Against Alcaraz, Sinner After US Open Loss

Novak Djokovic conceded on Friday that age is catching up with him after a straight-set US Open semifinal defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, who powered past the Serbian 6-4, 7-6, 6-2.

The loss marked Djokovic’s fourth semifinal exit at a Grand Slam in 2025, denying him another chance at a record 25th major. He previously fell to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and retired against Alexander Zverev in Australia.

“They’re just too good, playing at a high level,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz and Sinner. “Unfortunately I ran out of gas after the second set… best of five makes it very, very difficult for me to play with them.”

At 38, the 24-time major champion—long known for his unmatched stamina—acknowledged the physical toll of five-set battles against younger rivals. His best shot at No. 25, analysts say, may come at January’s Australian Open, where he is most dominant. But with Sinner defending his crown and Alcaraz chasing a career Grand Slam, Djokovic faces no easy path.