Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was simply too good in defeating Serbia’s Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in their US Open semi-final on Arthur Ashe Stadium that lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes.
It was the first time that Alcaraz has made the final of a grand slam event without dropping a set.
Post-match, it was something that Alcaraz said brought him an immense sense of pride.
Consistency
“Well, yeah, for me it’s great. It’s something that I’m working on, just the consistency on the matches, on the tournaments, on the year in general.
“Just not having up-and-downs in the match. Just the level that I start the match, just wanted to keep that level really high during the whole match.
“So, I’m thinking I’m doing that in this tournament, which I’m really proud about. Yeah, let’s see. But, yeah, probably I’m just getting mature.
“I just getting to know myself much better, what I need on, off the court.
“The things that I’m doing off the court I think I’m doing really, really well, which help a lot, and to play my best tennis. I think it’s getting better.”
This match was the first time that Alcaraz had beaten Djokovic on a hardcourt surface. Alcaraz added that it was not easy to face tennis’ GOAT.
“I’m playing against Novak. It’s not easy playing against him, to be honest. No, I’m thinking about the legend, what he has achieved in his career.
“It’s difficult not to think about it. So that makes facing him even tougher. But, you know, I’m just really happy to get my first win against him on the hard court and making another final here.”
Haircut
There has been a lot made of Alcaraz’s haircut at this year’s US Open. He promised something even more special if he wins the tournament.
“Even better (smiling). Even better. You will see. You will see. Surprise, surprise (laughter).”
Alcaraz outlined that Roger Federer once told him to focus on five-year blocks rather than looking too far ahead in his career.
“One person once told me that you don’t have to think about 35, 38 years old, still playing at that age.
“He told me, like, you have to be focused on the next five years, from here to when I am 27. And then, when I get 27, then think about five years more.
“So, it’s not about thinking in 15 or 20 years. It’s just about going year by year or just thinking about just five years maximum. We will see.
“We will see until what age I will try to take care about my body as good as I can. Now just to have a lot of years to come.”
Alcaraz mentioned how notable it was that Djokovic is still performing at a high level at 38 years of age.
“It’s impressive. It’s impressive what he has done this year in the slams, reaching the semi-final in every slam, challenging the next gen.
“Challenging us the way he’s doing, it’s impressive. I told him always he looks like 25 years old physically, so to maintain that level at 38, it’s impressive.”
Alcaraz revealed that his serve is currently at the best level it’s ever been.
“Yeah, probably, yeah, this is the best level or the best feeling that I have so far in a tennis tournament or in a year. So, I will try to be continue like that.”
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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