His reward was a ninth career meeting with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz<\/a>, who was in contention for the world number one ranking at the US Open.<\/p>\n In straight sets, Djokovic fell to Alcaraz<\/a> 4-6, 6-7, 2-6, as the 16-year age gap between the pair was noticeable on Arthur Ashe Stadium.<\/p>\n Now 38 years of age, the prospect of retirement looms large for Djokovic<\/a>, despite his impressively consistent Grand Slam season.<\/p>\n Commenting on Djokovic\u2019s future, his former coach and tennis legend Boris Becker<\/a> has predicted whether the 24-time Grand Slam champion will return to the US Open in 2026.<\/p>\n Boris Becker thinks Novak Djokovic said \u2018goodbye\u2019 to the US Open this year<\/p>\n During the latest episode of \u2018Becker Petkovic\u2019, the German discussed Djokovic\u2019s plans for the future.<\/p>\n \u201cSo it was openly mentioned for the first time that maybe 2026 will be his last Grand Slam year,\u201d said Becker.<\/p>\n \u201cI think, now he\u2019s admitted that he can\u2019t realistically win a Grand Slam because of his age and the strength of the youngsters [Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner].<\/p>\n \u201cWhat exactly does that mean? Does that mean he\u2019ll stop at some point?<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have any idea when that could be? Do you think he\u2019s playing a full Grand Slam year?<\/p>\n \u201cOn one hand, he still dreams of the 2028 Olympics<\/a>, where he wants to defend the gold medal for Serbia.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s in three years, so I personally find that unrealistic.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the US Open, that sounded a bit like goodbye to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Becker\u2019s co-host, Andrea Petkovic<\/a>, agreed, as she shared what she saw Djokovic do on his way out of Arthur Ashe Stadium.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I thought so too,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd even when he went out, he was on his way out; he stopped again, put the bag down again, showed his heart to the audience again.\u201d<\/p>\n Djokovic made a similar exit at the French Open earlier this year, taking in the applause from the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier following his defeat to Sinner.<\/p>\n Things were different at Wimbledon, however, as former British star Laura Robson noticed a change in the way he exited the stadium<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was more of a lingering goodbye at\u00a0Roland Garros<\/a>, a few weeks ago, he spent a bit more time on the court saying goodbye,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut that actually felt like he plans to come back, that he wants another chance at this.\u201d<\/p>\n With Djokovic now playing a much-reduced schedule, it wouldn\u2019t come as too much of a surprise to see the Serb choose to focus his energy on his favorite Grand Slams.<\/p>\n![\"Carlos](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-2233913617-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Clive Brunskill\/Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Novak](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-2233920217-1024x616.jpg\")
Photo by Clive Brunskill\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
![\"Novak](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-2195013756-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON\/BELGA MAG\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n