Record Run Despite Injuries
Novak Djokovic has reached all four Grand Slam semifinals this year, a milestone he has now achieved a record seven times. Yet injuries have stopped the 38-year-old from going further in his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title. At the Australian Open he retired with a muscle tear, at Roland Garros he needed treatment mid-match, and at Wimbledon he was undone by a hip and groin issue.
Hard-Fought Win Against Fritz
On Tuesday night, Djokovic battled through a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz in three hours and 24 minutes. By his own admission, it wasn’t his best tennis. “I was just trying to survive, stay in rallies, make him play,” Djokovic said. Despite fatigue and visible struggles late in the match, his resilience and fighting spirit carried him through.
Extra Rest Before Alcaraz Clash
Thanks to the US Open schedule, Djokovic will have two full rest days before Friday’s semifinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb acknowledged that recovery will be critical: “The next couple of days is really key for me to get my body in shape and ready to battle five sets if needed.” He added that facing Alcaraz will require his very best tennis but expressed confidence he would rise to the occasion.
Head-to-Head With Alcaraz
Djokovic leads Alcaraz 5-3 in their career meetings, including recent wins in the 2024 Paris Olympic final and the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals. Their rivalry has already produced some of the sport’s most thrilling encounters, and another epic could be on the horizon in New York.
The Road Ahead
With Jannik Sinner also looming as a potential final opponent, Djokovic knows the challenge only gets tougher. “There’s going to be a lot of running involved, that’s for sure. It’s not going to be short points,” he said with a smile. Whether his body holds up could determine if history awaits in Flushing Meadows.