Novak Djokovic ended American hopes in the men’s singles draw at the 2025 US Open by defeating Taylor Fritz for the 11th time in their rivalry. The Serbian star posted a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory on Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing a semifinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
At 38, Djokovic has not lifted a Grand Slam trophy in two years and has appeared less frequently on the tour, yet he has still managed to reach the semifinals of all four majors this season. What he has not done is play in a final. With New York now his next opportunity, Djokovic is aiming to break that streak and chase his elusive 25th major title.
After his win over Fritz, Djokovic made it clear he intends to disrupt the anticipated Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner showdown that many expect for the championship match. Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the last seven majors, with this season already seeing them face off in the finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
“We don’t need to waste words on those two, they are the best players in the world right now,” Djokovic said. “Everyone is expecting them to meet in the final. I will try to spoil those plans. Sinner still has a couple of matches to win before getting there, but they have been the most dominant players this tournament. That said, I am not waving a white flag. Not against them, and definitely not me.”
Djokovic pointed out that consistency at the Slams has been his priority in 2025, and reaching yet another semifinal proves he has met that goal. “Now I have another shot,” he said. “If I am fit and play at my best, I can push Carlos. Then it is anyone’s match.”
History between the two suggests little separates them. Djokovic holds a 5-3 advantage overall and won their most recent meetings at the Paris Olympics final and this year’s Australian Open quarterfinal. Alcaraz, however, has prevailed twice at Wimbledon finals, leaving their Grand Slam head-to-head tied at 2-2.
Fitness has been a storyline as well. Djokovic showed signs of discomfort in his opening match but has since found form, dropping only three sets across the tournament. Alcaraz, by contrast, has reached the semifinals without losing a set.
