Djokovic - Alcaraz: Saturday, 2 a.m. 9/6, Hanoi time.

It’s not rival Jannik Sinner or any other young ATP Tour player, but Novak Djokovic who has most concerned Carlos Alcaraz at major tournaments over the past two years. Aside from his Wimbledon final victory, Alcaraz has fallen to the 38-year-old at Masters 1000 events, the Paris Olympics, and the ATP Finals. Earlier this year, Djokovic halted Alcaraz's quest for a career Grand Slam in the Australian Open quarterfinals.

The Spanish media have described Alcaraz as being "haunted" by Djokovic. The 22-year-old hasn't played his best against the Serbian veteran, partly due to psychological factors and partly due to Djokovic's experience. In Melbourne earlier this year, despite a leg injury, Djokovic strategically outmaneuvered Alcaraz, causing him to waver mentally and ultimately lose, although this time without the cramping that plagued him at Roland Garros in 2023.

Alcaraz (right) congratulates Djokovic after their Australian Open quarterfinal match on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne earlier this year. *Photo: Reuters*

"Unless you push Djokovic to his limits, it's very difficult to win," warned coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. After eight encounters, trailing 3-5, both Ferrero and Alcaraz are well aware of Djokovic's prowess. Composure, match experience, and perfect energy management are Djokovic’s strengths. The only area where Djokovic lags behind Alcaraz is physicality, and this is something the 24-time Grand Slam champion cannot easily improve.

Declining fitness, looming injuries, and an aging body have reduced Djokovic's agility, a crucial element of his game. To compensate, Djokovic has focused on his serve to shorten service games, a tactic that's working well at the US Open. But serving alone won't be enough against an in-form Alcaraz. Technically, Alcaraz is as skilled as Sinner, who won six consecutive sets against Djokovic in their last two Grand Slam semifinal meetings. If Alcaraz can maintain his composure, he is even more dangerous than Sinner, thanks to his varied playing style and ability to move the ball around the court, wearing down opponents.

"After all these years, we all have an idea of how Djokovic will play," Alcaraz said of his older opponent in the pre-semifinal press conference. "I know he’s hungry for his 25th Grand Slam title. I've played him several times, practiced with him a lot, and want to avenge recent losses. That's obvious."

The first week in New York exposed Djokovic's physical vulnerabilities. However, in the second week, he showcased his mental and tactical strength. His excellent performance led to a quick victory over Jan-Lennard Struff, a tricky opponent with a powerful game. Then, the most decorated player of all time overcame crowd pressure and a resurgent Taylor Fritz to win their quarterfinal in four tight sets.

Djokovic said the breaks between Grand Slams are key to competing against players decades younger. "I need to be ready to play five sets if necessary," he said. "I want to be physically prepared to do that against Alcaraz, who, along with Sinner, is playing the best tennis in the world right now. I'm not sure how my body will react, but I'll definitely have to run a lot. There won't be many short points."

Since losing the US Open final 18 years ago, Djokovic has only twice failed to reach at least one major final in a year: 2009 and 2017. Both times, injuries sidelined him for the final Grand Slam of the year. At 38, Djokovic's task is tougher, as he often faces Alcaraz or Sinner in the semifinals. The Spaniard is on an 11-match winning streak since the Cincinnati Masters, leading the ATP this season in wins (59) and titles (6).

Djokovic retrieves a shot during his US Open quarterfinal match against Taylor Fritz on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on 9/2. *Photo: Reuters*

While serving has become Djokovic's lifeline in the latter stages of his career, Alcaraz is having his most effective serving Grand Slam tournament to date. He has dropped serve only once in five matches, the sixth-best US Open performance since 1995. Before Alcaraz, legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal achieved this feat four times combined, winning three titles.

Djokovic has previously neutralized Alcaraz with deep groundstrokes, aggressive baseline play, and by not allowing him time to set up drop shots. This helped him control their Australian Open quarterfinal. But repeating that tactic against someone who has significantly improved over the past seven months is risky. Alcaraz revealed that he and his team have been working on strategies to counter opponents after analyzing their US Open performances. Their preparation for Djokovic is even more meticulous.

"We've considered the daytime conditions," added Ferrero. "That gives Alcaraz a slight advantage. The conditions here are different from Melbourne earlier this year. Alcaraz won the first set there, but Djokovic was exceptional, and that match was played at night. Alcaraz doesn't need to be obsessed with Djokovic, he just needs to focus on himself. He's in better spirits than ever, strong and consistent."

Ferrero noted that Djokovic's vast experience gives him an edge, knowing when to adjust, when to attack, when to conserve energy, and when to apply pressure. According to Ferrero, Djokovic has plans A, B, and C for every match, and Alcaraz must learn to do the same to adapt and improve.

A rematch awaits Alcaraz, but Djokovic also has every reason to give his all and disappoint his younger rival once again.

Vy Anh