Novak Djokovic admits he is better off playing Carlos Alcaraz in US Open SF than Jannik Sinner with historic 25th Grand Slam within touching distance
Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old tennis legend, admitted he feels better positioned to face Carlos Alcaraz than Jannik Sinner in the 2025 US Open semifinals on September 5, 2025, as he chases a historic 25th Grand Slam title. Speaking post-match after defeating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinals on September 2, 2025, Djokovic told *ATP Tour*, “I’d rather play Carlos than Jannik right now. Jannik’s been the toughest for me this year.” This candid admission, reported by *The Tennis Gazette* and *EssentiallySports*, reflects Djokovic’s struggles against Sinner, who defeated him in the 2025 Roland Garros and Wimbledon semifinals, while Djokovic holds a 5-3 head-to-head edge over Alcaraz, including wins in the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals and 2024 Olympic final.
Djokovic’s preference stems from his confidence on hard courts, where he has never lost to Alcaraz, per *Olympics.com*. Their ninth career meeting, the first at the US Open, sees Djokovic leveraging his experience, having reached his 53rd Grand Slam semifinal and 14th at Flushing Meadows, tying Jimmy Connors’ record (*BBC Sport*). Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, has been dominant, not dropping a set and winning 99% of his service games, per *ESPN*. Yet, Djokovic’s 10-for-11 serve-and-volley success against Fritz and 92% service game hold rate, per *Sky Sports*, highlight his clutch play, crucial for the five-set battle ahead.
Alcaraz, seeking revenge after recent losses, warned, “I know Novak’s hungry… I really want revenge,” per *TennisWorldUSA*. However, Djokovic’s tactical edge—suffocating Alcaraz with depth and pace, as seen in their Australian Open clash—gives him confidence, per *ATP Tour*. A victory could set up a final against Sinner, who faces Felix Auger-Aliassime in the other semifinal, per *CNN*. Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major, surpassing Margaret Court’s 24, is within reach, but he remains cautious, noting, “It’s not going to get easier… I need to be ready for five sets” (*NBC New York*).
Djokovic’s strategic optimism, bolstered by two days of recovery after prioritizing rest over practice, per *The Guardian*, positions him to disrupt the anticipated Alcaraz-Sinner final. His mental toughness and hard-court dominance make this semifinal a pivotal moment in his quest for tennis immortality.
