US Open: Novak Djokovic Eyes Final Spot, Determined to Spoil Sinner–Alcaraz Showdown

SME News UK. Novak Djokovic says he is determined to “mess up the plans” of those anticipating a blockbuster US Open final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, after powering past Taylor Fritz to book his place in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.The world No. 2 extended his perfect record against Fritz to 11-0 with a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory, reaching the last four in New York for the 13th time and ensuring he has made the semi-finals at every Grand Slam this season. Djokovic, however, has not yet reached a major final in 2025, and is hungry to change that.“Everybody is probably expecting and anticipating a final between Carlos and Jannik,” Djokovic said. “I’m going to try to mess up the plans of most people. I definitely am not going with a white flag on the court.”Alcaraz, who awaits him in the semi-finals, has been near flawless in New York, not dropping a set and conceding just one service game through five matches. Sinner, meanwhile, remains on the opposite side of the draw.Djokovic admitted he was not at his fluent best against Fritz, particularly after surrendering a break when serving for the second set. But his experience carried him through key moments. “I got really out of trouble in the second,” he reflected. “I wasn’t playing well by my standards, but I found a way.”Fritz hit back in the third set, seizing a 3-1 lead and holding firm to cut the deficit. Yet Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown to surpass Margaret Court, showed his resilience in the fourth. At 5-4, he pounced on Fritz’s serve, sealing the match on his second match point.The Serbian, 38, will now turn his attention to Alcaraz, a rival he has beaten in their last two encounters. Djokovic admitted the physical challenge will be significant:“It’s not going to get easier. The next couple of days will be key for me to recover and get my body ready. I’d love to be fit enough to battle for five sets with Carlos. My best tennis will be required, but I usually rise to the occasion.”Djokovic has lost his last five matches against Sinner, three of them in Grand Slam semi-finals, making his place in Alcaraz’s half of the draw a potentially favourable twist. Still, the veteran knows that against the 22-year-old Spaniard, he will need to summon everything.“There’s going to be a lot of running involved, that’s for sure,” Djokovic said with a smile. “It’s not going to be short points.”With a place in Sunday’s final at stake, the stage is set for another chapter in tennis’ most compelling generational battle.