Sinner, 24, and Alcaraz, 22, have carved up the past seven Grand Slams between them, with nobody else winning a major since Djokovic at the 2023 US Open.
Going into the final major of the year, few predicted Djokovic – or anyone – could prevent Sinner and Alcaraz from completing another calendar sweep.
But seventh seed Djokovic and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, competing in his second Grand Slam semi-final, are the only two left standing in their way.
Djokovic might still possess an extraordinary talent, pedigree and will to win but, as age catches him up, he no longer has the vitality he once did.
Physical issues have been apparent in New York, although he has always found a way to win.
“It’s not going to get easier, I tell you that,” Djokovic said after Tuesday’s quarter-final win over Taylor Fritz.
“The next couple of days is really key for me to get my body in shape and ready to battle five sets if it’s needed.”
