ATP Journey
Djokovic about Alcaraz & Sinner: “They’re so good”
Serbian reflects on his semifinals at the U.S. Open
September 5, 2025
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic congratulated Carlos Alcaraz after the U.S. Open in New York on Friday afternoon.
By ATP staff
Novak Djokovic provided an honest assessment after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the U.S. Open semifinal on Friday. Currently, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the number one player in the PIF ATP ranking, are only step by step than the Serbs.
“I lost three quarters against these guys in the semifinals, so they were so good and played very high,” Djokovic said. “Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set. I thought I had enough energy to fight him and keep up with his pace with two sets. After that, I was put out and he kept moving forward.
“That’s how I feel about Jannik this year. Yes, the best five made it very difficult for me, especially if it’s the end of the Grand Slam.”
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals in all four professional games this season, and Sina is the only one to complete the feat in 2025. But the 24-time Grand Slam champion retired in a clash at the Australian Open against Alexander Zverev. He then lost to Sinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon before falling into Alcaraz.
The 38-year-old has received several mid-match visits from ATP Physio Clay Sniteman throughout the two weeks, having been difficult to recover in his career, and his former professional situation.
“I’m happy with my tennis level, but it’s just my physical condition. As I said in a press conference when I talked to you after the quarterfinals, I said I will do my best to keep my body in order to maintain that level and do my best for the time it takes. “But that’s not enough.” Unfortunately, at this point in my career, I have no control. ”
The 100-time Tour-level Titlist said it was frustrating when he couldn’t keep his body level. But he was explaining his age was also realistic.
“It’s over time and age,” Djokovic said. “I still love the thrill of the game. Today, I’ve got amazing support on the field with the crowd again. Thank you so much for loving myself. Yes, that’s one of the biggest reasons I keep moving forward. The love I’ve spent the last few years around the world has been amazing.”
Djokovic last time received a major honor at the 2023 U.S. Open. It turns out that in the world’s No. 428 weeks, record holders of most weeks are able to compete with the best Alcaraz held in Melbourne this year. But he admitted it was a difficult task.
“It will be hard for me to overcome the sinner, the obstacle to Alkaraz, the best fifth in the Grand Slam. I think I have a better chance of the best three, but the best five, it’s tough, it’s tough, it’s tough, it’s tough,” Djokovic said. “In that regard, I’m not giving up on the Grand Slam. That said. I’m going to keep fighting and try to get to the finals and at least fight for another trophy. But it’s going to be a very tough task.”
According to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, now 31-10 this season, Djokovic is disappointed as he does not continue to continue his title in New York. But he showed the greatest respect for his tour opponent.
“It’s never fun to lose tennis, but at the same time, if I lose to someone, I’ll lose to these two guys,” Djokovic said of Alkaraz and Sina. “I know they’ll be better at the moment. You just have to hand it over to them and say, ‘Good done’.”
