2025 US Open men’s semifinals: Jannik Sinner survives upset-minded Félix Auger-Aliassime, set for rematch with Carlos Alcaraz

Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz have combined for the past seven major championships.

The world No. 1 and No. 2 will battle it out for another Grand Slam title Sunday afternoon in Flushing Meadows.

Advertisement

Sinner punched his ticket to the US Open final Friday night with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over upset-minded Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner has a chance to become the first reigning US Open men’s champion to defend his title in the tournament since Switzerland’s Roger Federer accomplished the feat in 2008.

That’s some pretty good company for Sinner, who has now reached the last five Grand Slam finals. Much like Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal ping ponged majors earlier this century, Sinner and Alcaraz have established a masterful rivalry on the sport’s biggest stages.

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2

The difference between a 38-year-old Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, 22, is that the young sensation can win when he doesn’t play his best. Alcaraz wasn’t sharp in Thursday’s semifinal. He appeared to be searching for the right approach, attempting to throw Djokovic off with drop shots rather than controlling with his serve and forehand.

Advertisement

That allowed Djokovic to hang in the match despite Alcaraz having an obvious advantage in speed and athleticism. Though he had trouble keeping up moving move side to side, Djokovic was precise with his returns. The 24-time Grand Slam champion won several points with shots inside the line that looked to be guided by laser.

A more focused Alcaraz likely could have dispatched Djokovic sooner. Djokovic required maximum effort to keep up. Losing the second set after taking a 3-0 lead, he appeared to be spent. Djokovic asked for treatment to work on his neck before the third set, but perhaps needed a respite to delay the inevitable.

Djokovic had little left in the third set, his feet looking heavier and his movements slower. His pure skill allowed him to win a game, but losing that second set made it apparent that he wouldn’t defeat Alcaraz.

Advertisement

Here’s how Friday’s men’s semifinal matches played out in Yahoo Sports’ live coverage: