Novak Djokovic lost in the semi-final of the US Open against Carlos Alcaraz and questions around his future in tennis have once again emerged with it not two years since the Serb won a slam
Tennis legend would not be surprised if Novak Djokovic ended his tennis career after failing at the semi-finals of the US Open. The Serbian was knocked out by Carlos Alcaraz as the Spaniard cruised to victory in straight sets 6-4, 7-6, 6-2.
Djokovic was knocked out at the same stage by Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon and in the French Open, and was forced to withdraw during the first set in the Australian Open while playing against Alexander Zverev. Djokovic claimed the Olympic gold medal last year but has now not tasted victory in a grand slam in the last two calendar years.
The 2023 US Open marks the last time the Serbian star raised a trophy at one of tennis’ majors and he continues to chase a 25th championship. The 38-year-old would surpass Margaret Court and stand alone with an Open Era record if he can earn one more grand slam title.
Djokovic was unable to keep that dream alive at Flushing meadows on this occasion, with the consesus standard-bearers Alcaraz and Sinner set to face-off in the final. And while Nole stills appears to be the best of the rest, the question of whether Dojokvic can defeat his successors increasingly looks to be heading in one direction.
McEnroe, who earned seven grand slams between Wimbledon and the US Open, thinks another year of competing may not be on the cards for Djokovic. “I don’t know. It’s all up to him,” the 66-year-old said.
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“In a way, it wouldn’t surprise me if he stopped. On the contrary, I would be more than surprised if he tried to continue for another year. So, if I had to make a bet, it would be this.
“What he has done is already incredible. He was the third-best player in the world this year. That’s undeniable.”
Djokovic admitted that he did not have the stamina to sustain that standard that playing Alcaraz required in New York. “Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set [against Alcaraz],” Djokovic explained.
“I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that I was gassed out, and he kept going.”
But the veteran has suggested his ambition has not yet been doused. Djokovic appears to still want to fight for the top titles moving forwards, despite conceding the difficulty for him to do so.
“It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner and Alcaraz in best-of-five, I have better chance in best-of-three,” he said.
“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard. Having said that I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals, to fight for the trophy, at least, but it’s going to be a very difficult task.”