Novak Djokovic looking to 'mess up Sinner-Alcaraz final plans' in US Open

Novak Djokovic is determined to shake up the US Open, aiming to 'mess up Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz final plans' as he prepares for a semi-final clash with the Spaniard. The 38-year-old Serbian, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, wants to defy expectations and prevent what many see as the tournament's blockbuster final between Alcaraz and Sinner.

Djokovic reached the semi-finals by overcoming Taylor Fritz and a raucous New York crowd on Tuesday night, quelling the American's late fightback and keeping his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title alive. Fritz had hoped to secure a first victory over Djokovic at the 11th attempt, but the key moments went the way of the Serbian, who triumphed 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 after three hours and 24 minutes.

That victory sets up a high-stakes semi-final against Alcaraz on Friday night. Djokovic, seeking to break through the semi-final barrier for the first time at a Grand Slam this season, knows he faces a tough challenge. Alcaraz, 16 years Djokovic's junior, is chasing a sixth Grand Slam title but has struggled against the Serbian, losing five of their eight meetings. Their most recent clashes include the Australian Open quarter-finals earlier this year and last year's Paris Olympics final—a match that ended in tears for both players, for very different reasons.

"We don't need to spend words about the two of them," Djokovic said. "We know that they are the two best players in the world. Everybody is probably expecting and anticipating the finals between the two of them. I'm going to try to mess up the plans of most of the people."

Djokovic also stressed that fitness will be crucial in the semi-final. He was seen stretching his neck and shoulders towards the end of his victory over Fritz and must hope his body holds up after struggles earlier this year at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Fritz, who reached his first Slam final in New York last year before losing to Sinner, had the crowd behind him. A packed Arthur Ashe Stadium tried to inspire the American to break his Djokovic hoodoo. The Serbian, however, remained composed. On several occasions while serving, he gestured to the crowd with a finger to his lips and blew ironic kisses after taking the second set.

In the third set, Djokovic remonstrated with umpire Damien Dumusois as Fritz threatened to take the match to a fifth set. Despite the challenges, Djokovic found the answers when it mattered most.

"I didn't feel my shots as well as I have a few days ago," the Serbian admitted. "It's one of those days where you just have to grind. You just have to play with your heart and fight. That's what really gave me the win in the end."