Djokovic Faces Alcaraz in US Open Semifinal Showdown

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to reignite their rivalry in the US Open semi-final on September 8, 2023. Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has revealed strategies aimed at wearing down the seasoned Serb, who at 38 years old, has reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments this season but has yet to secure a final appearance.

Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and a long-time mentor to Alcaraz, emphasized the importance of pushing Djokovic to his limits. “We want to exploit any physical limitations he might have,” Ferrero stated. Djokovic holds a 5-3 head-to-head record against Alcaraz, having triumphed over the young Spaniard in their last encounter during the Australian Open quarter-finals in January. However, Ferrero believes Alcaraz has evolved significantly since then, noting, “The difference is consistency. We’ve worked on that, and it’s improving.”

The stakes are high for both players, as each aims to secure a spot in the final. Alcaraz has demonstrated remarkable form, reaching the finals of his last seven tournaments. Yet Ferrero remains cautious about predicting an outcome, saying, “Favouritism is out of the question. Carlos is playing spectacularly, with a lot of confidence, but I don’t dare say he’s the favourite. Novak will give his all; it will be extremely tough.”

Alcaraz’s team is optimistic that they will have a crucial advantage in their upcoming match. Djokovic and Alcaraz are expected to compete during the day, allowing Alcaraz an extra day of recovery compared to players in the other half of the draw. Ferrero commented on this shift, explaining, “In Australia, they played at night, and that favoured Novak a bit. If we play here during the day, we believe the conditions would be much better for us.”

Djokovic has openly acknowledged the challenges of maintaining his physical fitness as he ages. Throughout the tournament, he has sought treatment for various physical concerns, indicating that recovery has become increasingly complex. “I put in a lot of hours on and off the court to make sure that my body is fit and recovered well,” Djokovic remarked earlier in the tournament. “But you know, age is age; you can’t fight that. So, things are different. I have to adjust with the way I approach things.”

As both players prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the anticipation builds among tennis fans globally. The US Open semi-final promises to be a thrilling match, showcasing the determination and skill of two of the sport’s brightest stars.