Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title has taken another hit after his US Open 2025 semifinal defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. The 38-year-old Serbian legend battled hard but ultimately fell short in straight sets, raising questions about whether he can ever add to his illustrious tally.
Alcaraz ends Djokovic’s US Open campaign
Djokovic’s clash with Alcaraz was billed as a generational battle, and while the Serb made the second set competitive—forcing a tense tiebreak—he could not sustain the fight. Alcaraz booked his place in the final, where he will face defending champion Jannik Sinner, another young rival who has consistently blocked Djokovic’s path at recent majors.
Despite reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments this year, Novak Djokovic has repeatedly been denied by what many now call the “new two”—Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Mats Wilander’s verdict
Former world No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander has cast doubt on Djokovic’s chances of ever lifting another major trophy. In an interview with Clay, Wilander did not hold back:
“He’s clearly not 100% physically. Without that, at 38, I don’t give him a chance to win another Grand Slam,” Wilander said.
“He has to be at his very maximum and even then you’d see him perform better. Against these guys he even needs another 5% from somewhere, something extra beyond what he has now.”
Wilander acknowledged Novak Djokovic’s greatness but emphasized the shift at the top. “Today, he is the third-best player in the world, and he’s doing what he can. I love what he does, but right now it’s probably not good enough. Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner are just too good for him.”
The rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have stepped firmly into the spotlight, establishing themselves as the dominant forces of men’s tennis. Their relentless energy, tactical awareness, and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made them formidable opponents in best-of-five set matches.
Wilander praised Alcaraz’s composure, noting: “Alcaraz wins the important points. To me, it seems he lifts his level here and there, right in the key moments. It’s just a matter of points, because it’s not like Novak Djokovic’s level is much lower. It’s the same level overall.”
Novak Djokovic’s dilemma
Though Djokovic has publicly stated he has no plans to retire, the reality of competing against younger, fresher rivals is becoming increasingly stark. The Serb remains one of the greatest players of all time, but as Sinner and Alcaraz continue to rise, the challenge of claiming that elusive 25th Grand Slam title looks more daunting than ever.