Djokovic vows to keep chasing grand slam glory
“I had enough energy to battle him for two sets, but after that, he kept going while I faded.”
Novak Djokovic has pledged to continue his pursuit of Grand Slam titles despite falling short in the US Open semi-finals against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown, was defeated in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 on Friday but insisted he is not ready to give up on tennis’s biggest prizes.
“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams, I’m going to continue fighting,” Djokovic said after the loss.
“I still want to play a full Grand Slam season next year. They are just different from any other tournament. They are the pillars of our sport.”
Djokovic had acknowledged before the match that he would need to be at his physical best to overcome the 22-year-old Spaniard, who, along with world number one Jannik Sinner, has dominated men’s tennis in recent seasons.
The duo, nicknamed “Sincaraz,” have shared the last seven major titles between them.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic admitted he could not sustain the same energy levels after pushing Alcaraz in the opening two sets. “I ran out of gas after the second set,” he said.
“I had enough energy to battle him for two sets, but after that, he kept going while I faded.”
Djokovic conceded that competing against much younger opponents in five-set Grand Slam matches is becoming increasingly difficult. “I think I have a better chance in best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough.
I’ll do my very best to get my body in shape, but it’s not something I can fully control at this stage of my career.”
Despite the setback, Djokovic showed respect for his rivals, acknowledging their current superiority. “It’s never fun losing, but if I’m to lose to someone, I would lose to these two guys.
Read more: Novak Djokovic cruises into the US Open’s fourth round
They are just better at the moment. You just have to hand it to them and say, ‘Well done.’”
The defeat may have halted his Grand Slam record bid for now, but Djokovic’s determination to return ensures the tennis world has not seen the last of his fight on the sport’s grandest stages.
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