https://auntresodamid.com/iJugHxINePLH1VY/96561
Djokovic aims to ‘mess up’ Sinner-Alcaraz plans at US Open

Djokovic aims to ‘mess up’ Sinner-Alcaraz plans at US Open

Sharing is caring!


Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, stretches between sets against Taylor Fritz, of the United States, during the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Novak Djokovic is in the unfamiliar role of spoiler as he tries to get in the way of a third straight Grand Slam final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is the underdog going into Friday’s semifinal against Alcaraz, but Djokovic is in no mood to concede to his much younger rival despite fears over his ageing body.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Novak Djokovic gets into it with US Open crowd, beats Taylor Fritz

World number one and reigning US Open champion Sinner, meanwhile, is heavily fancied to beat Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and reach his fifth successive Grand Slam final.

AFP Sport takes a look at the men’s two semifinals:

Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic Wimbledon

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz holding the winner’s trophy (L) is congratulated by Serbia’s Novak Djokovic as they pose for pictures during the price ceremony at the end of their men’s singles final  of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.  (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP) 

Alcaraz has won 35 of his last 36 matches, storming into the semi-finals without dropping a set at Flushing Meadows.

Article continues after this advertisement

Djokovic, though, beat him in four sets in the Australian Open quarterfinals this year and denied him gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

READ: US Open: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic in semifinal showdown

The 38-year-old Djokovic has reached the last four at all four majors this year but has found his hopes compromised by his health, retiring with injury in Melbourne and struggling physically in his Wimbledon loss.

Article continues after this advertisement

While his strict nutritional regime and holistic approach, core to which is yoga and meditation, is well documented and key to his longevity, he is crossing his fingers he can still withstand the strain of a demanding two-week event.

“You know, nowadays (I am) more concerned than I have ever been,” Djokovic said of his physical state earlier in the tournament.

However, his mindset is as resolute as ever.

“I definitely am not going with a white flag on the court,” he said.

“Everybody is probably expecting and anticipating the finals between the two of them (Sinner and Alcaraz). I’m going to try to, you know, mess up the plans of most of the people.”

Alcaraz is eager to avenge his last two losses to Djokovic, who is 5-3 lifetime against the 23-year-old Spaniard.

“Novak, we all know Novak’s game… It doesn’t matter that he has been out of the Tour since Wimbledon,” said Alcaraz.

“I know I played a lot of times against him. I really want revenge. That’s obvious.”

Jannik Sinner vs Felix Auger-Aliassime

Jannik Sinner is aiming to become the first man to successfully defend the US Open crown since Roger Federer won the last of five consecutive titles in 2008.

Jannik Sinner, of Italy, reacts after defeating Alexander Bublik, of Kazakhstan, during the fourth-round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Sinner is aiming to become the first man to successfully defend the US Open crown since Roger Federer won the last of five consecutive titles in 2008.

He has captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this season but lost to Alcaraz in an epic five-set battle in the French Open final.

Sinner has won his last 26 Grand Slam matches on hard courts and it will take a Herculean effort from Auger-Aliassime to upset the Italian top seed.

Auger-Aliassime has triumphed in two of three previous meetings but Sinner thrashed him for the loss of just two games in Cincinnati last month.

“It’s going to be completely different, because, you know, conditions here are different. He had some big wins, so big confidence boost for him,” said Sinner.

“Because (it’s a) Grand Slam, the energy and everything is going to be different.”

Auger-Aliassime has had to put his wedding plans to one side after making it to his second US Open semifinal.

The 25-year-old is in the last four of a Grand Slam for time since 2021 after matching that run at Flushing Meadows this fortnight.

“The biggest challenges are yet to come, but that’s what I live for, that’s what I train for,” said Auger-Aliassime.

He will likely have to postpone a wedding suit fitting scheduled for Monday and top of the to-do list is devising a gameplan to unseat Sinner.

“I mean, strengths and weaknesses… Jannik, not many strengths, huh? A lot of weaknesses in his game,” joked Auger-Aliassime.

“What to say about Jannik’s game? He’s been obviously untouchable at times.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.



Your subscription has been successful.

“Honestly, the next match I’m not really going to focus on my opponent more than myself.”





Source link

Oval@3x 2

Don’t miss latest news!

Select list(s):

We don’t spam! Read our [link]privacy policy[/link] for more info.

🕶 Relax!

Put your feet up and let us do the hard work for you. Sign up to receive our latest news directly in your inbox.

Select Your Choice:

We’ll never send you spam or share your email address.
Find out more in our Privacy Policy.

🕶 Relax!

Put your feet up and let us do the hard work for you. Sign up to receive our latest news directly in your inbox.

Select Your Choice:

We’ll never send you spam or share your email address.
Find out more in our Privacy Policy.

Sharing is caring!

Read More :-  Tour of Luzon: Standard sends out loud team message
Scroll to Top