Sep 2, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) after beating Jiri Lehecka (CZE) (not pictured) on day ten of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

tennis

Carlos Alcaraz’s Coach Sets Record Straight on His Favorite Status Before 2025 US Open Semifinal vs Novak Djokovic

Can the Spaniard overcome the Serb to reach the US Open final?

You can’t rule out the Serbinator – even when he’s a 38-year-old slowly winding down his career. At least, that’s the lesson that the coach of Carlos Alcaraz is trying to impart ahead of his clash with Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard is set to face the Djoker in the semi-finals of the 2025 US Open. The last time they met in a hard-court Grand Slam was earlier this year in Australia, where it was the Serb who prevailed. And that’s why Juan Carlos Ferrero has an unexpected take on the upcoming clash.

☝🏻👂🏻⚡️ pic.twitter.com/w4FJg2OKb7
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 2, 2025

Juan Carlos Ferrero Makes Feelings Clear on Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic

It’s easy to see why most fans are calling Carlos Alcaraz a favorite to advance to the finals. He’s younger, faster, and has had a relatively simple US Open till now. On the other hand, Djokovic has had multiple 4-set matches and has already said that he finds it difficult to stay competitive with Alcaraz and Sinner when tired. However, even after that, Alcaraz’s coach does not want to rule the 38-year-old out.

🔜🔜🔜SEMIS! @usopen pic.twitter.com/iBF6zrIU2G
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 2, 2025

“Carlos is playing spectacularly, with a lot of confidence, but I don’t dare say that he’s a favorite!” Ferrero said before the semi-final. It’s quite understandable why Ferrero remains apprehensive about calling Alcaraz the favorite, not just in the semi-finals but the entire US Open. Even at 38, Djokovic remains a formidable force (why else would he make 4 Grand Slam semi-finals this year?).

More importantly, of the two (Sinner and Alcaraz), it is Sinner who has proven to be a bigger roadblock for Djokovic. The Serb actually has a winning record (5-3) against Alcaraz and has won their last two matches against each other. All of that makes this a rather difficult match for the 22-year-old, and his coach knows it. So it’s no surprise he doesn’t want to call Alcaraz a favorite yet.

Djokovic Hopes Extra Rest Helps His US Open Journey

After Novak Djokovic defeated Taylor Fritz in four sets, he admitted he was not really feeling fresh. That was a concerning sign from the 24-time Grand Slam champion and again drew attention to his biggest problem – fitness. Yes, Djokovic is moving quite well, but he’s now more of a sprinter than a marathon runner. And Grand Slams are always a test of endurance, especially when competing with players 16 years younger than you.

The good news for Djokovic is that he has two free days after the quarterfinal. “The good thing about the schedule is now that I have two days without a match, so that helps a lot. I don’t feel very fresh at the moment, but hopefully in two days it will be different,” Djokovic noted.

Can those two days help Djokovic pull off a hat-trick of wins over Alcaraz? We’ll find out very soon.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

ATP

Carlos Alcaraz

Juan Carlos Ferrero

Novak Djokovic

US Open

US Open 2025

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.