Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance to defeat Novak Djokovic, securing a place in his second US Open final with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. The match, which took place on September 7, 2023, denied the 38-year-old Djokovic an opportunity to pursue a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Alcaraz’s victory not only adds to his impressive record but also emphasizes his status as a rising star in tennis.
Alcaraz, who won his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows three years ago, demonstrated his exceptional form throughout the tournament, not losing a single set leading up to the semi-finals. Djokovic, on the other hand, entered the match with a two-day rest and positive memories of their previous encounters, including a victory at the Olympic Games last summer. Despite this, the Spanish player’s energy and skill proved too much for the former world No. 1.
Path to the Final and Opponents
With this latest win, Alcaraz is now poised to claim his sixth Grand Slam title and his second of the season. He will face the winner of the other semi-final match between defending champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. If Sinner wins, he will advance to his fifth consecutive Grand Slam final, showcasing his own impressive trajectory in the sport.
This year’s tournament has been particularly noteworthy for Auger-Aliassime, as he makes his return to a major semi-final four years after reaching the same stage in New York.
Disappointments for British Players
The tournament has not been kind to British players. Mika Stojsavljevic, who aimed to defend her US Open junior title, faced defeat in the semi-finals against Sweden’s Lea Nilsson. Stojsavljevic, just 16 years old, was unable to maintain her momentum after starting strongly and ultimately lost the match 0-6, 6-1, 6-1. She had previously made history as the first British player to win the girls’ singles title since Heather Watson.
Similarly, 16-year-old Hannah Klugman, who was seeded second and reached the French Open final earlier this season, also exited the tournament in the semi-finals. Klugman lost to Belgian Jeline Vandromme with a score of 6-3, 6-2, ending hopes for another British champion in this year’s competition.
Adding to the string of disappointments, five-time US Open wheelchair singles champion Alfie Hewett lost his semi-final match to Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez, with a final score of 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 7-5.
As the US Open approaches its climax, excitement builds around the remaining matches, with fans eagerly anticipating the final showdown. Viewers can catch all the action live on Sky Sports or stream via the NOW platform, which provides access to an extensive range of live sports this year.
