Carlos Alcaraz exacted revenge on Novak Djokovic, defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 in the US Open 2025 semifinal on September 5, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing his place in the final. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who had warned of seeking “revenge” after losses to Djokovic in the 2025 Australian Open and 2024 Olympic final, delivered a commanding performance, improving his head-to-head record to 4-5, per *ATP Tour* and *CNN*. This victory marked Alcaraz’s first hard-court win over Djokovic and his return to the US Open final since his 2022 title, setting up a potential clash with Jannik Sinner or Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Alcaraz dominated early, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the opening game and maintaining an 84% first-serve point win rate, compared to Djokovic’s 66%, per *The Guardian*. His ferocious forehand, often exceeding 80 mph, dictated rallies, while Djokovic struggled physically, receiving shoulder treatment in the third set and committing 30 unforced errors to Alcaraz’s 31 winners (*ATP Tour*). Despite a tight second-set tiebreaker, where Alcaraz rallied from 0-3 down, his relentless pace and grit overwhelmed the 38-year-old, who faded late, per *USAToday.com*. Alcaraz’s 12-match winning streak, following his Cincinnati title, underscored his dominance, as he became the first man since 2000 to reach the US Open final without dropping a set, per *The Athletic*.
Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, admitted Alcaraz was “too good,” per *CNN*, acknowledging the physical toll of the match. His 0-4 record in 2025 Grand Slam semifinals, all against Alcaraz or Sinner, raised questions about his future, with Martina Navratilova noting, “Time is catching up with him” (*The Guardian*). Alcaraz, however, celebrated his seventh Grand Slam final before age 23, joining legends like Rafael Nadal (*ATP Tour*). Posts on X, like @usopen’s “Final act bound 🎬,” captured the excitement of Alcaraz’s triumph.
Alcaraz’s victory, fueled by his desire to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking, positions him as a favorite for Sunday’s final. His focus on entertaining fans, evident in a viral backhand dink, per *The Guardian*, and his mental growth since past losses, make this a defining moment in his rivalry with Djokovic.
