Novak Djokovic admits it will be “very difficult” to get past the “hurdle” of US Open finalists Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but insists he is “not giving up” on Grand Slams just yet.The 38-year-old suffered a crushing straight-sets defeat, 6-4 7-6(4) 6-2, to Alcaraz in Friday night’s semi-final, as the Spaniard and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner meet in the final for the third consecutive major.
The 24-time major winner last reached a Grand Slam final at last year’s Wimbledon, again going down in straight sets against Alcaraz, with his most recent win coming at Flushing Meadows in 2023.
Djokovic fell at the semi-final stage in all four majors this year, making it the first year since 2017 and only the second time since 2010 the Serb has not reached a Grand Slam final.
Reaching all four semi-finals at the age of 38 is no mean feat, however, and Djokovic maintains he is happy with where his level of tennis is – but admits at this stage in his career, getting his body into the right condition is becoming increasingly difficult.
“I’m happy with my level of tennis, but it’s just the physicality of it,” Djokovic said.
“As I said after the quarter-finals, I’m going to do my very best to get my body in shape to sustain that level and that rhythm for as many hours as it’s needed, but it wasn’t enough.
“That’s something I, unfortunately at this point in time in my career, can’t control – I can do only as much as I can do.”
In 2023, Djokovic reached all four Grand Slam finals, winning in Melbourne, Paris and New York and only beaten in a five-set epic by Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
Since his last major win at Arthur Ashe Stadium two years ago, it will be eight consecutive Grand Slams that will have been won by either Sinner or Alcaraz.
Djokovic knows all about dominating majors, having formed a formidable trio with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in his career.
His two main rivals have now retired, leaving Djokovic, who turns 39 in May, the last man standing.
With Sinner and Alcaraz, world No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, sealing a third consecutive final against each other, Djokovic admits it is going to be difficult to get one over the pair again.
But he refuses to give up on winning a 25th major, which would give him the outright record as he currently sits level with Margaret Court.
“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,” he said.
“I think I have a better chance best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough. 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 and fight for another trophy at least. But, you know, it’s going to be a very difficult task.”
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