Djokovic slows down before the brutality of time

Novak Djokovic could not create a surprise against Carlos Alcaraz.

Instead, it was a performance that signalled a generational shift. Alcaraz, youthful and confident, won 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 to reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final, while Djokovic, at 38, no longer had the stamina to keep up with the Spaniard’s pace.

Nole is not young anymore

Of course, Djokovic’s run to all four Grand Slam semi-finals in the same year at his age is still a rare feat. At a time when most of his peers have retreated into the background, the Serb is still present on the biggest stages, inspiring and making audiences stand up.

But the truth is that he no longer has enough physical strength to turn the situation around against young opponents, especially when it is Alcaraz - who possesses both strength, speed and competitive spirit.

The first set started with many errors from both sides, partly reflecting the harsh conditions of the match as the humidity increased. But Alcaraz knew how to tighten up at the right time, closing out the first set with a 6-4 victory.

Youth helps Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic.

In the second set, Djokovic unexpectedly broke his opponent's first serve, raising hopes of a comeback scenario. However, Alcaraz did not make the same mistake as at the Australian Open earlier this year. He quickly regained the break, maintained his concentration and took advantage of every gap Djokovic left.

When it came to the tie-break, the generation gap became even more apparent. Djokovic, despite his extraordinary efforts - especially the sprint save that reminded the audience of his peak - was only a flash of brilliance. A slice that was too short, a cross-court shot that was just inches long was enough for Alcaraz to take the lead and secure victory in the second set.

Set 3 was almost a foregone conclusion. Djokovic was slow in his movements, served inaccurately and had to rely on the intervention of the fitness coach.

Alcaraz took full advantage, ending the match with a comfortable 6-2 win. The entire Arthur Ashe Stadium stood up and gave Djokovic a long standing ovation, both to honor the efforts of a monument and to acknowledge that time was gradually closing in on his magical journey.

The harsh truth behind Djokovic's defeat

What happened at Flushing Meadows was a reminder that age is not something anyone can beat. Djokovic came after Federer and Nadal, but has surpassed both in titles and longevity. He is persistent, hungry and has surprised the world with his ability to extend his career at the top.

Djokovic is approaching the end of his career.

But even with a meticulously groomed body, the biological clock is ticking hard. As Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner grow older, Djokovic is forced to face the reality: the race for a 25th Grand Slam will be more difficult than ever.

For Alcaraz, this victory is not only a ticket to the final but also a firm affirmation: he officially steps up to the center of tennis. If he wins the title without losing a set, Alcaraz will create a new milestone in US Open history - a feat that shows almost absolute perfection in playing style.

At the age of 22, the Spanish tennis player is not only expected to continue the legacy of the "Big Three", but also open a new era, where he and the next generation will continue to write brilliant stories.

Meanwhile, the moment Djokovic bowed to Arthur Ashe may not have been a farewell, but it sounded like a signal of transition. The Serbian legend certainly does not want to stop, because his desire and fighting spirit have never diminished.

However, as physical limitations become increasingly tighter, the road to the 25th Grand Slam will be full of challenges. And the world of tennis, after many years associated with the name Djokovic, may have truly turned a new page.

Source: https://znews.vn/djokovic-chung-lai-truoc-su-tan-bao-cua-thoi-gian-post1582938.html