Alcaraz sweeps past Djokovic to set up US Open final with Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz dismantled Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Friday to reach the US Open final, where he will face world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner in another blockbuster clash.
Spanish second seed Alcaraz was ruthless in a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory that ended Djokovic’s latest pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam crown after two hours and 23 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium. “Beating Novak is always special. But I don’t feel like I’ve won anything more than a Grand Slam semi-final,” said Alcaraz. “It was an important match, but it was just a ticket to the final.”
Djokovic, 38, conceded that age is now catching up. “I’m happy with my level of tennis, but you know, it’s just the physicality of it,” he said. “That’s something I, unfortunately at this point in time in my career, can’t control.”
Later, Sinner defeated Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his third straight Grand Slam final. The Italian, who won the Australian Open, became only the fourth man in history to reach all four Slam finals in a single season, joining Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Djokovic. “It’s been an amazing season. The Grand Slams are the most important tournaments we have throughout the year,” Sinner said.
Sunday’s showdown will decide both the title and the world number one ranking. Adding intrigue, US President Donald Trump is expected among the 23,000 spectators for what promises to be another chapter in the growing “Sincaraz” rivalry.
(Source: AFP)
