Defeated Djokovic concedes Alcaraz and Sinner's level 'just too good' - ESPN

NEW YORK — Shortly after his 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semifinals, Novak Djokovic admitted to reporters it would be a challenge for him to defeat Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in majors going forward.

The 38-year-old Djokovic, who has been in search of his record-breaking 25th Slam title since the start of the 2024 season, fell in three majors this season to Sinner and Alcaraz, currently the top two players in the world. He defeated Alcaraz in the quarterfinals at the year-opening Australian Open but then was forced to retire after the first set of his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev due to a leg injury. Since then he has lost in straight sets in the semifinals to Sinner, at the French Open and Wimbledon, and Alcaraz on Friday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

«I can do only as much as I can do,» a dejected Djokovic said to a packed room during his news conference. «Yeah, it will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams. I think I have a better chance best-of-three, but best-of-five, it's tough.»

Since Djokovic won his last Slam title, at the 2023 US Open, the 24-year-old Sinner and 22-year-old Alcaraz have combined to win the past seven major titles. The duo has looked to be on a collision course to meet in the US Open final throughout the tournament and could potentially meet with a trophy on the line for the third consecutive Slam. Sinner is slated to play Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday night in the day's second semifinal clash.

Djokovic has reached the semifinals in all four majors this season but failed to reach a final for the first time in his career since 2017. The Serbian superstar said he was still «happy»