NEW YORK – Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will renew their enthralling rivalry after both secured their places in the US Open semi-finals on Tuesday, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown in New York.
Defending champion Alcaraz produced another dazzling display on Arthur Ashe Stadium, brushing aside 20th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 under the afternoon sun. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who has not dropped a set all tournament, thrilled the crowd with his fearless shot-making and creativity.
“Sometimes I play a shot I shouldn’t, but that’s how I love playing tennis,” Alcaraz said. “I want to play solid and smart, but also entertain the people, myself, and my team. That’s what tennis is for me.” Victory also kept alive his chance of reclaiming the world No.1 ranking from Jannik Sinner.
Later in the evening, Djokovic delivered another milestone performance, defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to reach his record-extending 13th US Open semi-final. The Serbian great, who turns 38 later this year, became the oldest player in the Open Era to reach the last four at all four Grand Slams in a single season. He celebrated the win with a dance in honor of his daughter’s birthday.
Djokovic, chasing a record 25th major title to surpass Margaret Court’s all-time tally, once again proved too strong for Fritz, extending his perfect head-to-head record against the American to 11-0.The eagerly awaited semi-final will pit Alcaraz, 16 years Djokovic’s junior, against a man he has beaten just three times in eight meetings.
Djokovic prevailed in their last two encounters, including this year’s Australian Open quarter-final, but Alcaraz will look to replicate his famous 2023 Wimbledon triumph.“I know I’ll need my best tennis to face Carlos,” Djokovic said. “These are the matches I love to play, the ones that push me to rise to the occasion.”
Meanwhile, women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced without hitting a ball after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to a knee injury. Sabalenka will now face Jessica Pegula, who eased past Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3.Elsewhere, Venus Williams’ US Open run came to an end in doubles, as she and Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez fell 6-1, 6-2 to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.
