Novak Djokovic has mentioned he is not going to hand over up on Grand Slams and can ‘preserve preventing’ after he was knocked out of the US Open by Carlos Alcaraz within the semi-finals.
Alcaraz soaked up every little thing Djokovic might throw at him earlier than marching into his second US Open remaining and denied the 38-year-old a shot at a record-breaking twenty fifth Grand Slam title.
Djokovic got here into the conflict hoping to bridge a 16-year age hole in his fourth Grand Slam semi-final of the season, however the Spaniard claimed a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victory.
“I’m happy with my level of tennis, but it’s just the physicality of it,” Djokovic mentioned after his defeat.
“As I mentioned after the quarter-finals, I’ll do my easiest to get my physique in form to maintain that degree and rhythm for as many hours because it’s wanted, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient.
“That is one thing, sadly, at this level in my profession, I can not management.
“I can do solely as a lot as I can do. It is going to be very troublesome for me sooner or later to beat the hurdle of [Jannik] Sinner or Alcaraz, within the best-of-five on the Grand Slams. I believe I’ve a greater likelihood in best-of-three, however in best-of-five, it is powerful.
“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard. I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy at least. It’s going to be a very difficult task.”
Djokovic was seen receiving consideration from athletic coach Clay Sniteman in between units, whereas Alcaraz had a spring in his step and would noticably be able to serve earlier than time was referred to as.
“I lost three out of four Slams in semis against these guys [Alcaraz and Sinner], so they’re just too good, playing on a really high level.
“Sadly, I ran out of gasoline after the second set. I believe I had sufficient power to battle him and to maintain up together with his rhythm for 2 units. After that, I used to be gassed out, and Alcaraz saved going.”
Alcaraz’s win meant he was able to gain revenge on Djokovic, who beat him in the Olympic gold medal match and the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The Spaniard has reached the title match of the US Open without dropping a set and is expected to face world No 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner for the third Grand Slam final in a row – unprecedented in the Open Era – with the Italian due to meet Felix Auger-Aliassime in the other semi-final on Friday night.
Djokovic acknowledges the US Open crowd after shedding to Alcaraz
“It’s expected that the young guys are improving. These two players [Sinner and Alcaraz] are the best in the world right now,” Djokovic added.
“If you’re not improving, then something is not right, so you have to adapt to that and make changes.
“However they appear to have an excellent crew, an excellent technique of coaching, and strategy to the tennis world. The outcomes are a testomony to that. So there isn’t a doubt that they’re higher and higher annually.
“Of course, it’s frustrating on the court when you are not able to keep up with that level physically, but at the same time, it’s something also expected, I guess. It comes with time and with age.
“I nonetheless benefit from the thrill of competitors. As we speak, I obtained wonderful assist once more on the courtroom from the group. Very grateful for that. I completely loved myself. That is one of many greatest the reason why I carry on going. The love that I have been getting world wide has been wonderful the final couple of years.”
Can Djokovic attain 25 Grand Slam titles?
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The Sky Sports activities tennis crew take a look at why Djokovic struggled in opposition to Alcaraz…
Djokovic is adamant he’ll proceed his quest for his twenty fifth Grand Slam title, a prospect that appears to be getting tougher and tougher every time.
“Djokovic will keep going. The quest will continue for 25, but with every Grand Slam, it gets that bit harder,” mentioned Sky Sports activities Tennis’ Jonathan Overend.
“It’s surely getting less and less possible for him to move beyond 24.”
Sky Sports activities’ Ryan Harrison mentioned he was not sure whether or not the Serb would step out onto the US Open courtroom once more.
“With Novak’s walk-off at the end of the match, we have a lot to unpack,” Harrison mentioned.
“It didn’t look like someone who is definitely sure if they are going to see that court again.”
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Check out Djokovic’s thunderous lineball winner in opposition to Alcaraz throughout their semi-final conflict…
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova sympathised with Djokovic as he was clearly shifting gingerly throughout the courtroom within the latter half of the semi-final match.
“It stinks [getting older as a tennis player],” Navratilova mentioned.
“I went through it. The effort is the same, you feel the same, you play the right point and you miss it, when you could have made it with your eyes closed 10 years ago.
“It is irritating.”
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