This match feels different, but pressure is nothing new for Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz’s youth versus Djokovic’s experience. Six Grand Slams up for grabs for one. A shot at history for the other. Fans can’t help but wonder: Who will handle the weight better when everything is on the line?
What Did Juan Carlos Ferrero Say Ahead of Carlos Alcaraz’s SF Match Against Novak Djokovic at US Open 2025?
Heading into the ninth ATP Tour showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, the stakes are impossible to ignore. Alcaraz, looking for Grand Slam title number six and his second at the New York Major, already owns a US Open crown from 2022, when he knocked off Casper Ruud in the final.
On the other side, Djokovic is chasing his record-breaking 25th Slam and would love nothing more than to claim a fifth trophy at Flushing Meadows. His most recent victory in New York was in 2023 against Daniil Medvedev.
Getting to this semifinal has been no walk in the park. Alcaraz, seeded second, grabbed wins over Reilly Opelka (6-4, 7-5, 6-4), Mattia Bellucci (6-1, 6-0, 6-3), 32nd seed Luciano Darderi (6-2, 6-4, 6-0), and Arthur Rinderknech (7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4) in the early rounds. His quarterfinal victory over 20th seed Jiří Lehečka (6-4, 6-2, 6-4) locked in his rematch with Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz.
Human highlight reel. pic.twitter.com/80dNBXXqCX
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero spoke with Eurosport about how his 23-year-old star should approach this matchup. He explained that Alcaraz needs to focus on his own game and challenge Djokovic with his speed and physicality.
“We don’t have to obsess over Novak, Carlos has to focus on himself and try to push Djokovic to the limit until the match becomes physically difficult for him due to Carlos’s pace ,” Ferrero said [translated from Spanish].
Ferrero also pointed out that Alcaraz has grown in handling the sport’s mental side. According to his coach, the Spaniard made stronger decisions during the big points, and that edge could make a difference against Djokovic.
“He’s improved in every way. Mentally, he’s much more clear about the decisions he needs to make in key moments. He’s also better with his serve, his forehand on the run… He’s always been very good tennis-wise, but now I see him as better than ever mentally, with a concentration and solidity that make the difference,” he added.
Entertainment factor 📈
Djokovic saves break point and comes out on top of a 25-shot rally. pic.twitter.com/qW14CN0nus
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Djokovic, seeded seventh, carved out his path to the semifinals by taking down Learner Tien (6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2), qualifier Zachary Svajda (6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1), Cameron Norrie (6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3), Jan-Lennard Struff (6-3, 6-3, 6-2), and fourth seed Taylor Fritz (6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4).
Whoever survives this marquee semifinal between Alcaraz and Djokovic will book a trip to the US Open final. There, they will meet either defending champion and top seed Jannik Sinner or 25th seed Félix Auger-Aliassime, with the 2025 title on the line.
