Novak Djokovic ended his US Open campaign with the semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. The veteran fought well in a 6-4, 7-6 6-2 loss in two hours and 23 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 38-year-old acknowledged the defeat and shed light on his immediate plans. Djokovic remains determined to extend his career, though his approach to scheduling has shifted.
Instead of mapping out the remaining months of the season, the 24-time Major champion prefers to evaluate his body and motivation on a short-term basis.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WITH A TRADEMARK BACKHAND DOWN THE LINE AGAINST CARLOS ALCARAZ AT US OPEN.
38 years old…. Out of this world.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2025
For now, the 38-year-old confirmed only one official tournament for the rest of 2025, entering the ATP 250 event in Athens in November. That tournament recently switched from Belgrade, and Djokovic wants to enter it and compete in his beloved Athens.
Beyond that, Novak has left his schedule wide open. After the US Open, the Serb is still the third-best player on the ATP Live ranking list. However, he could not tell much about competing at the ATP Finals in Turin or any other tournament.
After reaching the semi-final at all four Majors this season, the veteran feels content about his run at this age, though slightly short of his lofty expectations.
Djokovic can still beat almost anyone on the Tour. However, he acknowledges the growing challenge of matching Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in best-of-five duels. They force Novak to push his body to the limits, and he can not overcome that issue despite trying everything.
Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Despite the New York setback, Djokovic is not going anywhere. His competitive drive remains strong, but the days of planning seasons in advance are far behind him.
Athens awaits the most decorated player of all time in two months, while the rest of his road remains uncertain ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.
"I can be satisfied when I examine my run at Majors this year. However, my expectations were not fulfilled as I expected at least one title. However, considering my physical shape and what my body is going through, I should be happy with beating everyone except Jannik and Carlos, guys 15 years younger than me.
I want to extend my career, but I can not tell much about the schedule. I'm tired of long-term planning, and I would rather feel my body and desire to compete. I will play in Athens in November, but everything else in 2025 is under question," Novak Djokovic said.
